LEE SMITH FROM MELTON MOWBRAY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE AND RAPE IN TEN-YEAR TERROR

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Melton Mowbray, Lee Smith was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving the abuse and sexual assault of three children over a period spanning a decade. The abuse, which began in January 2012 and continued until December of the previous year, was characterized by both physical violence and psychological torment inflicted upon the young victims.

Smith, a resident of Blakeney Crescent in Melton Mowbray, subjected two girls and one boy to a relentless campaign of cruelty. The two girls endured repeated sexual assaults and rapes, while the boy was also subjected to vicious physical attacks. All three children faced threats of violence from Smith, which he used as a means of manipulation to ensure their silence and compliance. The extent of the abuse was only uncovered after the victims reported their suffering to the police in December 2022.

Following the report, authorities launched an immediate investigation. Leicestershire Police responded swiftly, deploying specialists to assist in the inquiry. The investigation uncovered a horrifying pattern of abuse, supported by hundreds of pieces of evidence and 70 witness statements. As the case developed, it became clear that Smith’s actions were both calculated and brutal.

On December 19, 2022, Smith attempted to evade arrest by barricading himself inside his home. A tense 12-hour stand-off ensued, during which he made serious threats to harm himself and others if police entered the premises. Despite his threats, law enforcement officers eventually managed to detain him. During a search of his residence, they discovered a stash of cannabis along with a collection of weapons, including a baton and knuckle dusters.

Over the following nine months, the investigation revealed the full extent of Smith’s crimes. He was charged with numerous offences related to the abuse, including dozens of counts of rape, assault, and coercive control. In June, Smith appeared before Leicester Crown Court, where he was convicted of 21 charges, notably including seven counts of rape. He also admitted to five additional offences, such as possession of offensive weapons and possession of a class B drug.

On September 4, at Nottingham Crown Court, Smith was sentenced to life imprisonment for his crimes. The court ordered that he serve a minimum term of 15 years and 111 days before being eligible for parole. His convictions include seven counts of rape, four counts of actual bodily harm, four counts of assault by penetration, two counts of controlling or coercive behaviour, two counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual assault of a child, and one count of sexual activity with a child. Additionally, he admitted to possessing offensive weapons, damaging property, possessing a controlled substance, and engaging in affray.

This case highlights the devastating impact of long-term abuse and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable victims from predatory offenders like Lee Smith, whose actions have left a lasting scar on the community of Melton Mowbray.