PAUL SMITH FROM GLOSSOP AND SALFORD JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AT ORDSALL HALL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Glossop and Salford, Paul Smith, a 60-year-old arts worker, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against two young girls. The crimes, which spanned from 1997 to 2003, involved abuse that began when the victims were approximately six years old, leaving a dark stain on his reputation and raising serious concerns about safeguarding within community institutions.

Paul Smith, who had been employed as a crafts officer at the historic Ordsall Hall in Salford, was responsible for running workshops and engaging with thousands of children over his ten-year tenure. Ordsall Hall, a Grade I listed building renowned for its historical significance and visited by school groups from across the region, was the setting where Smith’s professional activities took place. His role included organizing pottery workshops, participating in medieval and Tudor re-enactments, and conducting talks about exhibitions at the museum’s Artbase pottery studio.

It is important to note that the offences for which Smith was convicted did not occur within the premises of Ordsall Hall itself. Instead, the abuse took place outside the hall’s grounds, in private settings, away from the public eye. Despite the separation from his official duties, the impact on the victims was profound and enduring.

At Manchester Crown Court, Smith pleaded guilty to 11 counts of indecent assault and two counts of attempted rape. The court sentenced him to seven years in prison. He is expected to serve a minimum of four years before being eligible for release, after which he will remain on licence until the completion of the full seven-year term. Additionally, Smith was ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register for life, a measure aimed at monitoring his activities and preventing further harm.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Smith had been absent from work since July 17 of the previous year due to illness. Council officials, including Councillor Barry Warner, clarified that Smith was not working at the time of his arrest and that his employment had been formally terminated following his conviction. Warner emphasized that once the allegations surfaced, the council promptly checked with police, confirming Smith’s arrest and charges. He also stated that had Smith returned to work, he would have been suspended immediately.

In response to the case, Greater Manchester Police issued a statement encouraging victims of sexual assault or rape to come forward. They provided a contact number, 0161 872 5050, and emphasized that emergency calls should be directed to 999. The case has prompted ongoing discussions about safeguarding children and the importance of vigilance in community institutions, especially those involved in educational and cultural activities.