KIERON SMITH SENTENCED IN TRURO FOR COMMUNICATING WITH 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL FOR SEXUAL PURPOSES

Kieron Smith, who was registered as a sex offender last year following a court caution for possessing indecent images of children, has now been sentenced for sending money to a 15-year-old girl in exchange for sexually explicit images. The court was told that Smith, now 23 and residing in Truro, admitted to police on September 2 that he had been struggling with sexual urges towards children. He revealed that he had accessed videos online, communicated with a girl aged 15, and even sent her money requesting sexual pictures.

Although there was no evidence that the girl ever sent any images, police discovered sexualised messages on Smith’s phone. One message included a request for her to be his "f*ck toy." Smith was arrested and charged with engaging in sexual communication with a child for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, to which he pleaded guilty.

During court proceedings, a probation officer noted that Smith took responsibility for his actions and expressed a need for help, mentioning he was battling sexual thoughts. The court considered his mental health issues, learning difficulties, and his isolated lifestyle, along with his apparent remorse and desire for support.

The judge, Recorder Elisabeth Bussey-Jones, emphasized the seriousness of Smith’s offence but took into account his admissions and mental health condition. The court imposed a three-year community order, which includes 40 sessions of the New Me Strengths programme, 10 days of rehabilitation activities, and 12 days on a mental health requirement. Smith will also be registered as a sex offender for five years and subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114.