LEIGH PAEDOPHILE JAMES SMITH SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR ABUSE OF UNDERAGE GIRLS IN LEIGH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Leigh, a 30-year-old man named James Smith has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with three underage girls. The heinous crimes took place within the town of Leigh, and the case has brought to light the disturbing extent of exploitation involving minors in the area.

During the proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Smith, who resides at Heddles Court in Leigh, had a troubling relationship with a woman named Kelly Spencer. Spencer, aged 28 and living on Orchard Close in Leigh, was also convicted and received a four-year prison sentence for her role in procuring the teenagers for Smith. Both Smith and Spencer were ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and were explicitly banned from working with children, reflecting the severity of their offenses.

The court heard that Smith, during his trial, made disturbing remarks indicating his preference for younger victims. He reportedly told Spencer, a known drug addict, that he wanted “something younger,” which prompted Spencer to take action. She approached a 13-year-old girl, asking if she wanted to earn money by watching them “do stuff,” a euphemism for sexual acts. This conversation marked the beginning of a series of exploitative encounters.

Subsequently, Smith engaged in sexual activities with the girl and two of her friends, aged 13 and 14. The victims were lured to Spencer’s flat, where they were given alcohol and pressured into witnessing a sexual act between Spencer and Smith. The first girl was also coerced into performing a sexual act on Smith. After these encounters, each girl was given £10 as a form of payment. The following incidents involved the girls visiting Smith’s home, where similar acts took place, with Spencer present and watching.

Prosecutor David Watson explained that this pattern of behavior was characterized by physical force and pressure from both Smith and Spencer, creating a coercive environment for the young victims. The girls were often offered alcohol and, on one occasion, cocaine, which further contributed to their fear and vulnerability. Smith was aware of the girls’ ages but falsely claimed they looked older, swearing to their age during the incidents.

Smith admitted to having sexual activity with the first girl on seven separate occasions and once with her friends. The case came to light when one of the victims confided in a teacher in January, prompting a police investigation. Despite denying three charges of sexual activity, Smith was ultimately convicted. Spencer, on her part, admitted to inciting sexual activity with a child on three counts.

This case underscores the ongoing issues of child exploitation and grooming within the Leigh community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need for strict legal action against offenders. The sentences handed down serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of such heinous crimes against vulnerable minors.