STEVEN SMITH JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN GRANTHAM AND ARLESEY

In December 2022, Steven Smith, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, was sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison for his heinous crimes committed in the towns of Arlesey, Bedfordshire, and Grantham. The conviction followed a series of disturbing incidents involving the abuse of multiple victims, including a young boy and adult women.

Smith, now aged 48, was only 15 years old when he began his pattern of indecent assaults. His first known victim was an 8-year-old boy in Arlesey, whom he had met after playing football together. Prosecutor Jacinta Stringer recounted that Smith would taunt the boy by saying, “That is five minutes,” whenever the boy scored a goal. The predator would then lure the young child into nearby bushes, where he committed acts of sexual assault. These abusive behaviors persisted even after Smith relocated to Grantham, indicating a troubling pattern that spanned several years.

In October, Smith was found guilty at St Albans Crown Court of seven counts of indecent assault against the young boy during the 1990s. The court also convicted him of three additional indecent assaults on female victims. One of these incidents involved touching a woman indecently while she was sitting on a sofa at his residence in Grantham. Another occurred after a rave, when Smith placed his hand down the trousers of a teenage girl while they were traveling in a car following the event.

Throughout the police investigation, Smith denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence despite the mounting evidence against him. His refusal to admit guilt did not prevent the court from delivering a severe sentence. On Tuesday, Recorder Patrick Fields sentenced Smith to 14 years in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life. Additionally, Smith was prohibited from ever working with children or adults in any capacity, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of potential future victims.

Smith’s case highlights the long-lasting impact of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims. His convictions serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and intervention in cases of abuse, especially involving vulnerable individuals in communities like Grantham and Arlesey.