STEPHEN SMITH FROM BLACKPOOL AND STONEHOUSE SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF YOUNG GIRLS

In August 2012, Stephen Smith, a 49-year-old hotel manager with ties to both Blackpool and Stonehouse, was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses. The case, which garnered significant attention, involved the abuse of two young girls who were between the ages of six and 12 at the time of the incidents.

Smith, a former paratrooper and soldier, was found guilty by a jury at Gloucester Crown Court nearly a year prior to his sentencing. The jury convicted him on ten counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault, all related to the two victims. Despite the conviction, Smith could not be sentenced immediately because he was also facing another trial on separate allegations of indecency involving a young boy. However, the jury in that case found him not guilty of those charges.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Jamie Tabor addressed the court, expressing that if Smith had been a teenager or a young adult committing similar offenses in recent years, he would have faced a much harsher sentence, likely in the double digits. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, "I am dealing now with a man of almost 50 who took advantage of a young girl when you were 14 and she was about half your age."

Judge Tabor also acknowledged the emotional impact on the victims, noting that both women appeared affected by Smith’s actions during their testimonies. However, he observed that he did not see or hear evidence of any extraordinary trauma inflicted upon them. The judge took into account Smith’s background, describing him as having been a “wastrel” and “scallywag” for much of his life, though he noted that Smith had made efforts to turn his life around in recent years.

At the time of his arrest, Smith was employed as a hotel manager in Blackpool. The court heard that one of his victims was subjected to repeated rape and abuse, while the other was indecently assaulted when she was under 10 years old. The defense, represented by Tana Adkin, provided context about Smith’s life, revealing that he had joined the Parachute Regiment at 17 but left during training and subsequently married. He later rejoined the Army, serving with the Glosters before being discharged due to a knee injury.

Following his military service, Smith reportedly spent a period engaged in drinking and gambling. He remarried and had three children, one of whom tragically died of leukemia in 1992. In recent years, Smith had worked his way up from various roles such as cook, barman, and cleaner in hotels to become a hotel manager. He had also formed a new relationship nine years prior to his sentencing, with his partner standing by him and expressing hope for marriage in the future.

In addition to the six-year prison term, Judge Tabor ordered Smith to sign the sex offenders’ register for the remainder of his life, underscoring the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.