MICHAEL ‘MIK’ SMITH FROM HAVERFORDWEST JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SWANSEA

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Haverfordwest and the wider Pembrokeshire area, Michael ‘Mik’ Smith, a 49-year-old former youth worker, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after admitting to a series of heinous sexual offences involving children. The proceedings took place at Swansea Crown Court on July 1, where Smith appeared before the judge to face the gravity of his crimes.

Smith, who previously worked as a line manager with Pembrokeshire Youth Service and later with Pembrokeshire Youth Action Service, was dismissed from his position in 2012 following multiple warnings about his inappropriate conduct towards young people. Despite these warnings, he continued to abuse his position of trust, culminating in a series of serious offences that have now been brought to light.

The court heard that Smith’s criminal activities included the sexual touching of an eight-year-old boy, as well as encouraging the child to engage in sexual activities of a non-penetrative nature, including masturbation. The offences also involved the taking of indecent photographs and the possession of a staggering 1,129 indecent images of minors. Smith’s actions extended beyond the initial abuse, as he was found to have caused or incited sexual activity with a different child, also aged eight, and had taken multiple indecent photographs of him.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson detailed that all but one of the offences involved the same young boy, highlighting the extent of Smith’s predatory behaviour. The court was told that Smith’s misconduct persisted even after his dismissal, as he went on to groom the son of a couple who had supported him following his termination. This grooming involved the boy, who was just eight years old, and included video recordings of Smith abusing him, which added a deeply disturbing dimension to the case.

The alarm was raised when the boy’s parents noticed changes in their son’s behaviour. The child was becoming more sexualised, exhibiting inappropriate behaviour such as touching his mother’s bottom and talking about “humpy.” He also experienced sleep difficulties, prompting his father to investigate further. When he entered his son’s bedroom, the boy disclosed that Smith had shown him “new ways of humpy,” which led to the father feeling physically sick and immediately calling the police.

Following the police intervention, Smith was arrested. Initially denying any indecent contact with the boy, officers seized computers and cameras, uncovering two videos and numerous indecent images, including 19 in the most serious category. During subsequent interviews, Smith chose to remain silent when confronted with the evidence. The impact on the young victim was profound; he now suffers from nightmares, feelings of sadness, and has become withdrawn, avoiding social interactions out of fear that Smith might harm him again. His parents also experienced significant distress, with both undergoing counselling and contemplating the trauma they endured.

Representing Smith in court, barrister Jim Davis acknowledged that his client’s sexual orientation was towards young boys and suggested that psychiatric treatment might benefit him, although such treatment would not be available in prison. Davis expressed remorse on Smith’s behalf, stating, “He tells me he knows that an apology is not enough. He cannot find the words to express how sorry he is and how ashamed he is.” He also emphasized that Smith would be glad to be kept away from children, should the court see fit.

Judge Paul Thomas condemned Smith’s actions, noting that he had sought employment as a senior youth worker and with organizations such as cubs, scouts, and children’s homes, all of which would have allowed him access to vulnerable children. The judge highlighted that Smith had used the young boy as his “sexual plaything,” even recording the abuse on video, with no regard for the devastating consequences for the child.

In sentencing, Judge Thomas opted for concurrent sentences, totaling six years for causing the child to engage in sexual activity, four years for sexual assault, two years for videoing the abuse, and twelve months for possessing indecent photographs. Additionally, Smith was sentenced to a lifetime ban from working with children and was ordered to register as a sex offender with the police for life. Smith, who arrived at court carrying a rucksack and appeared resigned to his fate, showed no reaction as the sentence was handed down, leaving a community to grapple with the aftermath of his crimes.