RODNEY SMALLMAN FROM BANBURY SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN OXFORDSHIRE CHILDREN'S HOME

In a case that has shocked the community of Banbury and the wider Oxfordshire area, Rodney Smallman, a man now aged 73, has been sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison for heinous acts of child abuse committed during the 1970s and early 1980s. The court proceedings, held at Oxford Crown Court, revealed disturbing details about Smallman's conduct while he was in charge of a children’s home in Oxfordshire, where he exploited his position to prey on vulnerable young boys.

Smallman, who was known among local youths as 'the owl man' due to his habit of touring schools with a collection of nocturnal birds, was found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault. The conviction stems from allegations involving five boys, all under the age of 16 at the time of the abuse, which occurred over a span of several years. The court heard that during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Smallman operated a children’s care facility in Oxfordshire, residing in a separate building on the same premises.

During the two-week trial, evidence was presented that detailed how Smallman would regularly subject the young boys in his care to sexual abuse. Many of the victims testified that the abuse persisted until they left the home, with some recounting disturbing incidents such as being asked to line up naked outside his bedroom for extended periods, sometimes up to 15 minutes, while he watched them through a crack in the door. These acts of exploitation and manipulation were described as systematic and ongoing.

The investigation into Smallman’s actions was initiated after one victim came forward in 2012, prompting a thorough inquiry by the Child Abuse Investigation Unit. As the investigation progressed, additional victims were identified, leading to his arrest in February 2013. Smallman initially denied the allegations but was charged in August of the same year. The case was prosecuted with the support of Det Con Joanne Waddington from the Banbury Child Abuse Investigation Unit, who emphasized the severity of Smallman’s abuse of power and trust.

Det Con Waddington stated, “This has been an extensive investigation into the behaviour of a predatory paedophile who abused his position in the worst way imaginable. Smallman took advantage of his role as the head of a children’s home and abused the most vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification. These were children that were placed at the home for their own protection, and when he took advantage of that, they felt they had no one to tell who would believe them. This is something they will have to live with for the rest of their lives.”

She further urged victims or anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that age or the time elapsed does not diminish the importance of reporting abuse. Smallman’s sentencing is scheduled for January 12, and the community awaits the outcome of this case, which has brought to light the dark side of a man who once presented himself as a bird enthusiast and educator, now known for his criminal actions rather than his hobbies.