RON SMITH FROM WINTERBOURNE JAILED FOR HISTORIC ABUSE IN OXFORDSHIRE

In a significant development in the fight against historic child abuse, Ron Smith, a man with a complex and troubling past, has been sentenced to three years in prison for multiple indecent assaults committed during the 1980s. Smith, who previously held the position of gym director at Fromeside Gymnastics Club in Winterbourne, was convicted of five counts of indecent assault on young boys in Oxfordshire, a case that spanned over two decades of investigative work.

Smith, aged 65 at the time of sentencing, was also known for his role as an Olympic judge and a school teacher. His career achievements included serving as a judge at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, a prestigious appointment that underscored his reputation in the gymnastics community. He was also slated to serve as a judge at the 2004 Athens Olympics, but his past criminal record ultimately prevented his participation.

The case against Smith came to light after a dedicated two-year investigation led by private investigator Phil Lewis, aged 51. The investigation was initiated after the British Amateur Gymnastics Association, now known as British Gymnastics, discovered Smith’s previous conviction for indecently assaulting two 12-year-old boys in 1969. This revelation prompted the organization to take action, hiring a solicitor who then engaged Mr. Lewis to delve into Smith’s background.

Mr. Lewis, who previously served as a police officer in the Child Protection Unit at Avon and Somerset Police, established his own company, Pathfinder Investigations, based in Nailsworth in 1997. His expertise in child protection cases made him an ideal choice for this sensitive investigation. His initial efforts involved contacting the school in Oxfordshire where Smith had worked before his tenure at Fromeside Gymnastics Club. However, he encountered a setback when records from that period had been destroyed, limiting his access to official documentation.

Undeterred, Lewis utilized online databases such as Friends Reunited to track down potential victims and witnesses. During his inquiries, he met with a complainant who had previously come forward, providing crucial testimony that helped build the case. Lewis recounted, “Once I had met the complainant I believed him. When I first contacted the school they couldn’t help at all as all the records had been destroyed so I used the Friends Reunited site to follow any leads.”

After two years of meticulous investigation, three men came forward with allegations against Smith, leading to formal charges. Lewis expressed his dedication to the cause, stating, “I put in lots of unpaid hours because people deserve to have the matter put to rest. Although they will never fully get over it, they have been believed and a man has been convicted.”

Despite the conviction, Smith’s past continued to cast a shadow over his professional life. When the case was brought to light, Smith’s employment at Fromeside Gymnastics Club was already over, as he had worked there until September 2004. British Gymnastics declined to comment publicly on the case, and representatives from the gym club were unavailable for comment. The case highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding and the importance of thorough background checks, especially for individuals involved in youth sports and education.