LEE SMITH AND HIS SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN LEICESTER
A 50-year-old man from Leicester, Lee Smith, was subjected to a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions when a judge decided to impose a severe sentence in an effort to deter him from reoffending.Smith, who has a troubling history involving indecent images of children, was first caught in 2016, resulting in a suspended prison sentence along with a sexual harm prevention order that restricted his online activities and his access to electronic devices.
Despite these restrictions, Smith's actions escalated, leading to his arrest again in February of the previous year.
Authorities found him in possession of more indecent images on his phone, which he had clearly tried to delete.
Further investigation revealed that he had also conducted internet searches for phrases such as 'cute schoolgirls' and 'Asian girls', indicating a disturbing preoccupation.
Smith subsequently pleaded guilty to breaching his existing sexual harm prevention order during a court hearing.
The case was brought before Leicester Crown Court for further sentencing, where Michelle Harding, representing Smith, highlighted his apparent state of denial regarding his offending.
Harding explained that a significant period of targeted intervention and support was necessary to address Smith’s behavior and prevent further crimes.
She expressed concerns that imprisoning him at that stage would hinder his chance for rehabilitation.
During the court proceedings, Smith was visibly distressed, weeping in the dock as Harding detailed his recent struggles, including the fact that his father had suffered a serious injury—a broken bone in his neck—and that Smith was applying to become his carer.
The court also heard that, with the approval of social services, Smith had been living with a woman who was caring for two children.
Despite Harding’s pleas, the judge, Timothy Spencer, responded decisively.
He agreed to impose a new, more stringent sexual harm prevention order that would prohibit Smith from having any contact with individuals under 16 years old and forbid him from coming within 50 metres of any school until July 2026.
Although Harding opposed these restrictions on the grounds of human rights, Judge Spencer deemed them necessary, emphasizing the severity of the evidence found and stating, “It's deeply worrying what was found on his phone—he's not in the position of an ordinary citizen.” Noting the emotional state of Smith as he cried in the dock, Judge Spencer remarked, “I've been watching you, and I think a realisation has come to you of how serious the position you've put yourself in.” After this observation, the judge approved the tougher restrictions and temporarily sent Smith to the cells for over two hours while he considered the final sentence.
When Smith was brought back into court, Judge Spencer delivered a suspended prison sentence of eight months, with the suspension lasting for two years.
The judge reflected on Smith’s past, referencing a previous court appearance in October 2016 for similar offences involving indecent images of children.
He emphasized that Smith was fortunate to have received a suspended sentence then but warned that if there were any further breaches, the consequences would be far more severe, potentially resulting in months or even years behind bars.
The judge concluded with a stern warning, indicating that Smith's repeated offending and recent breaches had placed him on a perilous path from which there was little chance of easy escape.
