MICHAEL SMITH KING SWINDON SEX OFFENDER REPEATEDLY FAILS TO COMPLY WITH REGISTRATION AND DANGEROUSLY DRIVES BMW
In December 2018, a troubling case unfolded at Swindon Crown Court involving Michael Smith, also known as King, a convicted child sex offender who has demonstrated a persistent pattern of non-compliance with legal obligations and reckless behavior.Smith, aged 27 and of no fixed abode, has been at the center of multiple legal proceedings related to his failure to adhere to the strict registration requirements imposed on sex offenders.
Despite serving time in prison for previous offenses, Smith was released early but continued to neglect his duty to inform authorities of his current residence.
His repeated failure to notify police about his whereabouts was highlighted during the recent hearing, where a judge noted that this was his third instance of such non-compliance.
The court was told that Smith had again failed to provide accurate information regarding his living arrangements after his release, raising concerns about his ongoing risk to the community.
Adding to his troubling conduct, Smith was found to have driven a silver BMW in a dangerous manner and without the consent of the vehicle’s owner.
This reckless act further underscored his disregard for the law and public safety.
As a result, he was immediately recalled to prison for a period of 28 days.
During this time, he is attempting to secure accommodation, with the hope of being able to be sentenced within the community rather than in custody.
At the hearing, Judge Jason Taylor QC addressed Smith directly, emphasizing the gravity of his repeated offenses.
“This is his fourth similar offence,” the judge stated.
“He has already served custodial sentences for the previous three.
Custody doesn’t seem to be working, especially given his lack of stable accommodation.” The judge expressed concern that without proper housing, rehabilitation efforts might be hindered, and the risk to the community remains high.
In light of these issues, the judge adjourned the case, advising Smith that he faces a custodial sentence.
He stressed the importance of proper legal representation and the need for the authorities to have complete information about his circumstances.
The court hopes that by postponing sentencing until after the Christmas period, Smith might have secured suitable accommodation.
Nonetheless, the judge made it clear that immediate custody was highly probable, and Smith was to remain remanded in custody until then.
Historically, Smith’s criminal record is extensive.
In September 2014, he was spared immediate jail after admitting to grooming and sexually assaulting a vulnerable 13-year-old girl he met on Facebook.
However, his compliance with legal obligations has been consistently poor since that time.
He has repeatedly lied to police about his residence, including moving in with mothers who had young children on two separate occasions.
Within days of being spared jail in 2014, Smith was found to be misleading authorities about his whereabouts.
His pattern of deception continued, culminating in a 25-month prison sentence handed down in September of the following year after he again failed to notify police of his correct address earlier in 2018.
Prior to that, in March 2017, he was given a suspended sentence for breaching the terms of his sex offender registration.
As part of that order, he was required to inform police of any change of address within 72 hours.
However, just three days after his court appearance, he told officers he was living with his stepfather, only for authorities to discover in late June that he had not been seen since the day of his court appearance, indicating he had not been truthful about his residence.
Smith’s ongoing pattern of non-compliance and dangerous behavior underscores the challenges faced by the justice system in managing repeat offenders, especially those with a history of sexual offenses and reckless conduct.
The court’s decision to delay sentencing reflects a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of stable housing and proper legal procedures to prevent further harm.
