KENNETH SMITH FROM SUTTON JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN LONDON AND WEST SUSSEX

In a case that has shocked the Sutton community and beyond, Kenneth Smith, aged 54, formerly residing on Westmorland Drive in Sutton, has been sentenced to a 12-month prison term after being found guilty of multiple counts of child sexual abuse. The allegations stem from a disturbing pattern of abuse that took place over several years, beginning when the victim was just a toddler.

According to court records, Smith exploited the trust placed in him through his wife Maureen, who was a registered childminder with Sutton Council. She cared for the young girl, who was under her supervision while her parents, both nurses, were at work. The abuse occurred between 1991 and 1994, when the girl was between the ages of approximately two and a half months and four years old. Smith was convicted at Kingston Crown Court of four counts of indecent assault on the girl during this period.

The victim, now 17 years old, only came forward to report the abuse in November of the previous year. She confided in her parents, who immediately contacted law enforcement authorities. The police investigation also revealed that Smith, a self-employed lorry and coach driver, was scrutinized after his step-daughter accused him of rape. However, this particular case was dismissed after a police surgeon examined the girl and determined she was still a virgin, leading to the charges being dropped.

During the trial, it was revealed that Smith, who had moved to West Sussex following the allegations, had twice coerced the girl into performing sexual acts on him. Despite the evidence, Smith maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The court was informed that if he had still been residing in London, he would have been eligible for a 'deniers' rehabilitation program for sex offenders who refuse to admit guilt. Unfortunately, this scheme is not available outside the capital.

Judge William Thomas, presiding over the case, sentenced Smith to a year in prison. In his remarks, the judge expressed disappointment with Smith’s attitude, stating, “You showed no contrition at your trial and you still deny the offences for which I have to sentence you. I take into account that until now you have been a respectable, hard-working family man but have no choice but to give you a custodial sentence.”

As Smith was led away, his wife, Maureen, who has been suffering from agoraphobia and panic attacks since the allegations surfaced, was visibly distressed and burst into tears. The impact of the case extended beyond the courtroom, affecting the family deeply.

Following the sentencing, the victim’s father expressed a sense of justice being served, stating, “I feel justice has been done and my daughter has been vindicated.” However, he also voiced disappointment that Smith received only a six-month sentence, noting that he would be released early. The father called for stricter background checks on individuals working with children and their partners to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As part of his punishment, Kenneth Smith was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years and is now prohibited from working with children. The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding children from abuse and exploitation.