PHILIP SMART FROM STOCKTON SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY SEX OFFENSES IN TEESSIDE
In July 2019, Philip Smart, a 29-year-old man from Stockton, was handed a lengthy extended prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving underage girls.The court heard how Smart, described as a manipulative and predatory individual, engaged in grooming behaviors that put vulnerable teenagers at significant risk.
Smart’s criminal activities began with him initiating contact with a teenage girl through social media platforms.
He exploited her vulnerability by sending her an indecent photograph of himself and requesting similar images in return.
Over time, the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was persuaded to visit his flat in Stockton, where they engaged in unprotected sexual encounters on three or four separate occasions several years prior.
It was revealed that Smart was aware of her involvement in a police investigation into grooming, which had previously resulted in another man’s conviction and imprisonment.
The girl, deeply affected by her experiences, had resorted to self-harm, a fact that was brought to light during the court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court.
Prosecutor Jo Kidd described the girl’s perception of Smart as someone she initially saw as a confidant and a source of emotional support.
However, she emphasized the tragic irony that Smart used her trust and emotional vulnerability to satisfy his own sexual desires.
The court was informed that in July 2015, Smart had already received a prison sentence of four years and two months for grooming two other underage girls.
During that period, he engaged in a “fishing expedition” by sending out random WhatsApp messages to multiple young girls, hoping to elicit responses.
Two girls responded, and Smart again asked for indecent images and attempted to arrange meetings, but these plans were thwarted when a social worker uncovered the messages.
After his release from prison in May 2017, Smart quickly reoffended within three months.
He defied court orders by using an unregistered Facebook alias, “Andrew Smith,” to contact the girl he had previously engaged with sexually.
This behavior led her to recognize him, prompting her to report his actions to the police for the first time.
During the court hearing, the girl described feeling trapped and intimidated by Smart, stating, “I felt he was constantly watching me and he had some kind of hold on me.” She further explained that she had installed a panic alarm due to her fear and expressed feelings of disgust and self-blame for what had happened.
She also voiced concern that Smart might have targeted other girls, and she described the court process as exhausting, frightening, and emotionally draining.
Despite her fears, she expressed relief that Smart was finally convicted on five charges.
Smart, of Waverley Street in Stockton, denied three counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of causing a child to be involved in pornography, and one count of failing to comply with notification requirements.
However, the jury found him guilty after a trial.
Judge Deborah Sherwin addressed Smart directly, stating that the probation officer’s assessment was accurate in describing him as capable of manipulative and predatory behavior to fulfill his sexually deviant needs.
The judge condemned his apparent lack of remorse, insight, or willingness to learn from past mistakes, describing him as a dangerous offender who had learned nothing from his previous time in prison.
As a result, Smart was sentenced to five years in prison, with an additional five years on extended license.
He is required to serve at least two-thirds of his custodial sentence before the Parole Board considers early release.
Furthermore, he will be registered as a sex offender for life and subject to indefinite sexual harm prevention and restraining orders.
This case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Smart, who exploit vulnerable young girls for their own gratification and demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others.
