MALACHI SMITH FROM HUNTINGDON SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF TEENAGER IN HUNTINGDON

Malachi Smith, a resident of Humbrills Close in Huntingdon, was convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl at a residence within the town in late 2009. The incident occurred when Smith was in his late teens, and the case has spanned over a decade before reaching its conclusion.

Smith initially denied the charges, pleading not guilty during a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday, 29 August 2023. However, during a subsequent court appearance on Wednesday, 6 March, a jury deliberated and reached a unanimous verdict of guilt. Following the conviction, Smith was immediately sentenced to six and a half years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crime.

The presiding judge acknowledged Smith’s age at the time of the offence but emphasized that the sentence also reflected the profound and lasting psychological damage inflicted upon the victim. The judge highlighted that the victim has endured this trauma for over 14 years, suffering from formal diagnoses, daily medication to numb her feelings, as well as flashbacks and nightmares that continue to affect her life.

Detective Sergeant Samantha Brown commented on the case, stating, “The victim in this case, now a grown woman, has lived with the memory of this terrible assault for more than a decade. I am pleased that we can deliver the justice she deserves and provide her with some closure. I want to commend her bravery for coming forward and hope that this case encourages others to speak out and seek support.”