LEE SMYTH JAILED IN YORK FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

In February 2012, a disturbing case unfolded in York involving photographer Lee Smyth, who was convicted of sexually abusing a ten-year-old girl. Smyth, a resident of Fossgate and originally from Northern Ireland, faced a jury that found his account unconvincing and believed the young girl’s testimony about his actions.

According to court proceedings, Smyth entered the girl’s bedroom on four separate occasions during a single night, engaging in inappropriate and sexual touching. Despite his insistence that he was not a paedophile and claims that his behavior was out of character, the jury was convinced by the girl’s detailed and honest account of the events. Smyth’s defense, led by his barrister Katherine Goddard, argued that his actions were influenced by alcohol and that he had behaved differently than usual.

Judge Stephen Ashurst, the Recorder of York, delivered a stern verdict, emphasizing that alcohol could never justify the sexual assault of a child. He pointed out that Smyth’s repeated entries into the girl’s room demonstrated a clear awareness of his misconduct, the risks involved, and the potential harm he was causing. The judge acknowledged Smyth’s struggle with a serious alcohol problem, noting that he had been drinking heavily on the day of the incident. Despite this, the judge highlighted that the jury found the girl to be a credible witness and that Smyth showed no remorse for his actions, which deeply affected the victim.

Smyth, aged 42, was convicted unanimously in January of sexual touching of a child under 13, a charge he had denied throughout the trial. The court sentenced him to 21 months in prison, a period during which he will also be registered on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and permanently barred from working with children.

During the sentencing, Miss Goddard presented testimonials attesting to Smyth’s character, asserting that he was not a typical sex offender and that the incident was isolated. She also noted that Smyth had taken steps to address his issues, including significantly reducing his alcohol consumption and working with statutory authorities such as probation to rehabilitate himself. Despite the severity of the sentence, the judge expressed concern about the impact of Smyth’s imprisonment on his family, but reaffirmed the importance of protecting children from harm.