MICHAEL GEOFFREY SMITH SENTENCED IN GUILDFORD FOR SERIOUS SEXUAL ABUSE

Michael Geoffrey Smith befriended the parents of a young boy to gain their trust and be alone with him. The judge described Smith's actions as having "caused him grave, permanent and serious psychological harm and impacted greatly on his life," labeling them as "sick sexual abuse." Smith, previously residing in Freemantle Close, Oakridge, denied seven charges of sexual abuse related to incidents in the 1980s, but a jury convicted him. Court proceedings at Guildford Crown Court revealed that the 66-year-old, who had prior convictions for similar offenses in the 1970s and 1990s, operated a film club in his maisonette during the early 1980s, which was attended by children from the estate. During the summer holidays, he repeatedly sexually abused a primary school-aged boy, claiming he was teaching him about sex. Smith told the boy that it was "their secret" and warned him that no one would believe him if he told. One victim later admitted to attempting to take his own life multiple times because of the abuse. Smith was sentenced to eight years in prison, with a minimum of two-thirds to be served. His sentence, initially set at 12 years, was reduced due to concerns over his worsening health and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prisoners. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £3,250 in compensation to the victims and a £149 victim surcharge.