LINDSEY SMITH SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN BRISTOL FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In a case that has shocked the community of Bristol, Lindsey Smith, a 69-year-old man with no fixed address, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a young girl aged just 12.The incident, which took place within the city, has prompted serious concerns about the safety of children and the effectiveness of protective measures for vulnerable individuals.
Smith's criminal history includes an earlier conviction for gross indecency with a child, for which he had already served two and a half years in prison.
However, despite this prior conviction and the imposition of a sexual offences prevention order, he committed further offences, breaching the restrictions placed upon him.
The latest offences came to light after a relative of Smith reported him to the police, just one day after he admitted to them that he had engaged in inappropriate conduct with his young victim.
This admission prompted immediate investigation and subsequent legal action.
At Bristol Crown Court, Smith pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexual assault of a child under 13, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and breaching the terms of his existing sexual offences prevention order.
The court heard that Smith's actions were particularly egregious given his previous conviction and the restrictions already in place to prevent him from reoffending.
Judge Michael Roach, presiding over the case, sentenced Smith to 10 years in prison.
Additionally, he imposed an extended licence period of six years following his release, emphasizing the ongoing risk Smith poses to the community.
The judge explicitly stated that Smith was considered a danger to children, citing his breach of the prevention order and his previous history of abuse.
"I conclude you are dangerous," Judge Roach declared.
"You are in breach of your sexual offences prevention order and committed the offences in the face of a previous conviction for abuse of children.
I conclude you pose a serious risk to children in the future, of serious harm." As part of the court's ruling, Smith was also subjected to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order.
This order prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with minors and from living with children under the age of 16, aiming to prevent any further harm.
The court also considered a personal statement from the young victim, who described the lasting impact of the abuse.
She revealed that she has struggled with sleep since the incident, recalling that Smith was physically stronger than her, and describing the smell of his cigarette breath.
She expressed feelings of sickness and shame, noting that she was afraid to tell her parents about what had happened.
The victim’s words underscored the profound emotional and psychological toll the assault has taken on her.
Judge Roach highlighted her testimony, stating, "She was dreading facing a trial.
She wants the defendant punished.
She said what he did was wrong and disgusting, and she feels shame because she didn’t tell her mother and father about it." During the proceedings, Smith’s defense attorney, Catherine Spedding, explained that the offences only came to light because of the disclosures Smith made voluntarily.
She emphasized that there was understandable upset from the victim’s family but clarified that Smith did not seek to blame the young girl.
Instead, she stated that he accepted full responsibility for his actions, answered questions honestly during police interviews, and expressed remorse and shame for what he had done.
In conclusion, the court’s decision reflects the gravity of Smith’s crimes and the ongoing concern for the safety of children in Bristol.
The lengthy sentence and strict restrictions aim to protect the community and prevent any future offences by the convicted individual.
