PATRICK SMYTHE FROM OTLEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS IN LEEDS AND NORTH YORKSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Patrick Smythe, a 79-year-old man from Manor Square in Otley, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing six young boys under his care. The conviction was handed down following a comprehensive trial at Leeds Crown Court, where jurors unanimously agreed on Smythe’s guilt after hearing detailed testimonies and evidence presented during the proceedings.

Jurors learned that Smythe, a Catholic priest, exploited his position of trust to prey on vulnerable boys during various activities. Notably, three of his victims recounted how Smythe targeted them during swimming trips to the now-defunct Leeds International Pool. These incidents left lasting scars on the victims, who described the abuse as a defining and traumatic part of their lives. Additionally, Smythe was accused of abusing boys while on a retreat at a hostel located in North Yorkshire, further highlighting the extent of his misconduct across different settings.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Simon Batiste addressed Smythe directly, condemning his actions and the lies he told during the trial. The judge emphasized that Smythe, who had taken an oath on the Bible— a sacred text he had used for years in his religious duties— had deliberately lied to the court. Judge Batiste stated, “The offences involved six different complainants who were at the time of the offences aged between 12 and 16. You are a Catholic priest. During the trial, you denied any criminal wrongdoing whatsoever. You took an oath on the Bible—and then told a series of falsehoods and lies that the jury have seen through. In short, your account in relation to these matters is a pack of lies.”

Smythe was convicted on six counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. The court heard emotional statements from three of the victims, each describing the profound and lifelong impact of the abuse. One victim revealed that the trauma led him to start abusing alcohol at an early age, explaining, “I never felt able to discuss the issue with my family because of the shame and anxiety and fear it caused me to feel. I hope that as a result of the trial, after 45 years, I can finally move on with my life in a more positive direction.”

Another victim described Smythe as “a beast,” asserting that Smythe used his position within the church to get close to young boys for his own predatory purposes. The third victim expressed a loss of faith in the Catholic church, stating that the abuse had shattered his trust and that he feared Smythe might never face justice in this life. He said, “I told myself that if he was never judged in this life then he will get his judgement before God when he meets his maker.”

Throughout the proceedings, Smythe showed no visible emotion as he sat in the dock. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to be placed on the sex offender register for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his movements post-release. Susannah Proctor, representing Smythe, argued that he had dedicated his life to the church, which he considered his family. She added, “He has given his life to the church. The church are his family. I have no doubt that from today the church will withdraw that support for him. That is something of his own making.”

Judge Batiste concluded the hearing by paying tribute to the bravery of the victims, acknowledging the lasting impact of Smythe’s actions. He remarked, “For some of these boys, it is evident that the impact of your abuse was significant and has lived with them until the present day. I pay tribute to the six victims in this case who have shown great bravery and fortitude to give evidence against you.”