LEONARD SMITH FROM BROMLEY AND LEWISHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN DOWNHAM AND BEXLEY

In October 2006, Leonard Smith, a 76-year-old man with a troubling history of abusing young children, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison at Woolwich Crown Court, located in Thamesmead. The court heard that Smith had pleaded guilty to 17 counts of indecent assault, which he committed over a span of fifteen years, involving eight different children aged between eight and 14.

Prosecutor Toby Fitzgerald detailed to the court that Smith's abusive acts took place in various locations, including private residences in Lewisham and Downham, as well as in public toilets at the former North Cray Social Club in Bexley. These locations highlight the disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned both private and public settings, making the crimes particularly heinous and difficult for the victims to process.

During the hearing, Patricia Harding, representing Smith, expressed remorse on his behalf. She explained that Smith, who had been living recently in a mobile home site in Rochester, was genuinely sorry for his actions. Harding emphasized that the lengthy passage of time had allowed Smith to reflect on his deeds, and he now understood the pain and suffering inflicted upon his victims. She stated, “This sad affair has surfaced after so many years and this has allowed Mr. Smith to reflect and he now understands the distress his victims have felt and continue to feel.”

Judge Michael Carroll, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence, underscoring the lasting impact of Smith’s predatory behavior. He remarked, “It is clear to me that to differing degrees, the lives of your victims have been blighted by your predatory sexual behaviour before them. Even now I am not satisfied you know of the magnitude of what you have done to those young people and their relatives.”

Outside the courtroom, Kevin Smith, aged 25 and the grandson of Leonard Smith, spoke candidly about his feelings. He chose to waive his right to anonymity and expressed his anger and desire for justice, saying, “I hope he rots in his cell. At least this brings some closure and I hope to be able to get my life back on track now.”

As part of his sentence, Leonard Smith has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and is permanently disqualified from working with children. Additionally, a sexual offences prevention order has been issued, which legally prohibits him from being in any residence with or alone with a child under the age of 16 upon his release. It is also noted that Smith faces eight remaining counts of sexual assault, which he has denied, and these will remain on record for future reference. His current residence is within a five-mile radius of central Bromley, indicating that he is now living relatively close to the areas where his crimes occurred, including Bromley, Downham, and Lewisham.