ROBERT SMITH SCARBOROUGH'S HORRIFIC CHILD SEX ABUSE REVEALED AS HE PREPARES FOR EARLY RELEASE IN YORKSHIRE

In December 2016, a deeply disturbing case unfolded involving Robert Smith, a convicted paedophile from Scarborough, who is set to be released early into the same county where he committed heinous crimes against 21 children. Despite the severity of his offenses and the condemnation from the judiciary, Smith’s release has sparked outrage among his victims and the local community.

Smith, now 76 years old, is scheduled to be back on the streets of Yorkshire before Christmas, a decision that has left many in shock. The judge who sentenced him in 2006 explicitly stated that Smith’s crimes were among the worst he had encountered in his nearly four decades of legal practice. The judge’s words underscored the gravity of Smith’s actions, describing his offenses as a case of prolonged and insatiable depravity that spanned over three decades.

During the sentencing, Judge Paul Hoffman expressed his strong disapproval, stating, “If the sentence that is passed results in you dying in prison, that’s no more than you deserve.” He further emphasized that he had searched legal textbooks and found no other case as severe, highlighting the sheer scale of Smith’s wickedness and his callous disregard for the suffering of his victims. The judge detailed how Smith had systematically abused children, some as young as four, using methods that included holding knives to their necks during assaults. His crimes were committed in various locations, including a shed near Scarborough pier, where he often carried out his attacks.

Smith’s criminal history is extensive. He pleaded guilty in 2006 to 42 sex offenses, which included rape and gross indecency, with many of his victims unable to recall all the details of their abuse due to the trauma. His offenses began in 1954, and he was initially sentenced to 20 years in prison. The crimes involved multiple victims, including a family of nine children, and two generations of a family were victimized because the mother, who had been raped as a child, was too terrified to confront him.

Throughout his criminal career, Smith repeatedly evaded justice. The first complaints surfaced in 1987, but police only issued cautions at that time. It was not until 1993 that he was jailed for two years after being convicted of indecent assault and gross indecency. His arrest in 2005 was prompted by a victim who, after discovering Smith was living near a school in Scarborough, contacted authorities. This revelation led to a fuller understanding of the extent of his crimes.

Victims and their advocates have expressed profound distress over Smith’s impending release. One victim, representing many others, voiced her horror at the decision, stating, “Seeing him would be the most horrendous thing that could ever happen. If we saw him in town, it would be devastating and frightening. Most of his victims live locally, and the thought of him returning is unbearable.” She criticized the justice system for not listening to their recommendations, noting that victims had previously been informed about parole hearings but only learned last month that Smith’s release had been approved without warning.

She added, “We don’t want him to come back to Scarborough or York. We fear he will find us or continue abusing children. He’s 76, in a wheelchair, but we believe he will do it again. He has never shown remorse and systematically abused children for years. We all wanted him to die in prison. He’s an evil man, and our voices need to be heard because Victim Support isn’t helping enough.”

Victim Support Leeds confirmed last week that Smith would be released before Christmas, escorted from prison to approved premises by police, with all license conditions in place. These conditions include restrictions on contacting victims and entering certain areas, along with mandatory registration as a sex offender. The Ministry of Justice declined to comment on individual cases but reiterated that public protection remains their priority, emphasizing that sex offenders on license are subject to strict conditions and can be returned to prison if they fail to comply.

This case echoes a previous sentencing in August 2006, when Robert Smith was given a 20-year sentence for what was described as one of Britain’s “worst ever” cases of child sexual abuse. At that time, he admitted to abusing 21 children, some as young as toddlers, over a 30-year period. Judge Hoffman described his crimes as “sheer wickedness” and expressed that Smith deserved to die behind bars. Smith’s offenses included rape, buggery, and other sexual assaults, many of which he admitted to during interviews with probation officers.

His criminal history includes earlier convictions, such as a 1993 jail sentence for indecent assault and gross indecency, and complaints dating back to 1987. Despite these, Smith continued to evade full justice until his arrest in 2005, which finally uncovered the full extent of his horrific crimes. Victims have recounted their trauma, with some developing speech impediments or lifelong fears, and others hiding behind settees or running away to escape his abuse.

As the community grapples with the reality of Smith’s early release, the victims and their families remain deeply distressed. Many have expressed their hope for justice and closure, but the fear persists that Smith’s return to Scarborough will cause further harm. The case continues to highlight the ongoing debate about the balance between rehabilitation and public safety, especially in cases involving such severe and prolonged abuse.