JONATHAN SMITH FROM NOTTINGHAM JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AND BREACHES OF SEX OFFENDER ORDERS

In a serious case that has shocked the Nottingham community, Jonathan Smith, a 42-year-old man with a troubling history, has been sentenced to prison following a series of sexual offenses and violations of court orders. Smith, who previously lived under the name Rebecca after undergoing a gender transition in 2002, was convicted of multiple breaches of a sex offender prevention order and a recent indecent assault involving a young girl.

Smith's criminal activities and breaches of legal restrictions have been a cause for concern for authorities and the public alike. The court heard that he had twice violated a court-imposed order designed to prevent him from engaging in any activities that could harm children. The first breach occurred in September of the previous year when he was stopped in Nottingham’s Old Market Square. Officers found him in possession of a mobile phone equipped with a built-in camera and video recording capabilities. Although he did not take any photographs of children during this incident, the mere possession of such a device constituted a breach of his restrictions.

Further troubling developments unfolded in October when Smith visited the Victoria Centre in Nottingham. While sitting near the water clock, he committed an indecent assault on a girl estimated to be between ten and eleven years old. The victim did not come forward to report the incident, but Smith’s own confession led to his arrest and subsequent charges. His admission of guilt played a significant role in the court’s decision to impose a prison sentence.

At Nottingham Crown Court, Judge Michael Pert, QC, addressed the severity of Smith’s actions and his dangerous attitude towards children. The judge highlighted that Smith has a long history of sexual offenses, including previous convictions for indecent assault on young girls, possession of indecent images of children, and taking indecent photographs of minors. Notably, Smith had previously served a 12-month sentence in 2002 after admitting to breaching a sex offender prevention order.

In the recent case, Smith pleaded guilty to the charges, which resulted in a 12-month prison term. Upon release, he will be subject to lifelong supervision under a license condition. Additionally, he has been disqualified from working with children and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for the foreseeable future. The court’s judgment was clear in its assessment of the risk Smith poses; Judge Pert expressed concern that Smith views children as sexually active from a very young age, specifically from the age of seven.

Judge Pert emphasized the potential danger Smith represents, stating, “In my opinion, after reading the probation report, there is a significant risk to the public of serious harm being caused by you.” Smith, who resides on Woodborough Road in Nottingham, has a disturbing criminal record that underscores the ongoing threat he poses to society. His case has once again raised alarms about the importance of vigilant monitoring and strict enforcement of restrictions on individuals with a history of sexual offenses against minors.

In mitigation, defense lawyer Anna Soubry attempted to provide some context, claiming that her client had, for the first time, admitted to being sexually attracted to children. She stated, “Before, he was absolutely in denial,” suggesting that Smith’s acknowledgment of his issues might be a step towards rehabilitation, though the court clearly prioritized public safety in its sentencing decision.