JOSEPH SMITH CAUGHT IN DURHAM CHILD SEX OFFENCE PLOT

In July 2022, a man from Durham, Joseph Smith, was sentenced to prison after he was caught attempting to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sexual activity. Smith, who has a long history of criminal convictions, responded to an online advertisement that claimed a female in his area was offering sexual services.

He contacted the number provided in the ad, and during the conversation, he was informed that the girl was only 15 years old. Despite this, Smith decided to proceed with plans to meet the girl in an area of Durham, specifically in Framwellgate Moor. Unbeknownst to him, the entire setup was a trap orchestrated by undercover police officers aiming to catch potential offenders.

Joseph Smith, aged 37 and residing on Bracken Field Road in Durham, appeared at Durham Crown Court via video link from HMP Durham to face charges related to attempting to arrange or facilitate a child sexual offence. He had previously pleaded guilty to these charges during a prior hearing.

Prosecutor Alec Burns explained that the police operation involved setting up an online advert on a selling website, which appeared to be from a female offering sexual services. The police monitored the contact made through a phone number associated with the ad.

According to Mr. Burns, Smith made two phone calls to the number on April 25 and also sent a text message asking about the start time of the girl’s work shift. During the phone conversation, Smith, who identified himself as “Craig,” was told that the girl was only 15 years old. When he inquired if there were any girls over 16, he was told no.

Despite being informed of the girl’s age, Smith was undeterred and arranged to meet the decoy girl shortly before 11 pm. When he arrived at the designated location, police officers were waiting and promptly arrested him.

During his arrest, officers found £980 on Smith, which he claimed was intended for a Manchester United season ticket. He also made comments to officers, stating that he “wouldn’t have done it” and that he “didn’t care about kids.” During police interviews, Smith remained silent and did not respond to questions.

It was revealed that Smith has a significant criminal history, with 16 previous convictions, including offences related to voyeurism dating back to 2005. These past offences involved him looking under cubicles at swimming baths and peering through windows to watch women undress.

Judge Jamie Hill QC described the case as “unusual and exceptional” and sentenced Smith to two years in prison. Additionally, Smith was placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offender register for two years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his conduct.