TREVOR SMITH FROM LUTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A TEENAGER
A 60-year-old man from Luton, Trevor Smith, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of raping a young girl at a party.The court was told that Smith had initially encouraged the teenager, who had been drinking white wine and lemonade, to consume more alcohol, leading to a “sordid and degrading” sexual act.
This sentencing marks Smith as the second sex offender to be imprisoned in recent weeks, following the case of a man from Shefford who was jailed for sexually assaulting a young girl and possessing thousands of child sex abuse images.
During the hearing at Luton Crown Court, prosecutor David Povall explained that the girl had gone to a bedroom because she was feeling intoxicated, but Smith followed her and tried to persuade her to return to the party.
Mr.
Povall stated, “He pressed against her and rubbed her leg.
She felt very uncomfortable.
His hand moved up her leg.
His behaviour was flirtatious.” The girl then returned to the party, where Smith offered her another vodka, which she exchanged for water before going back to the bedroom.
The court heard that Smith re-entered the room and pretended to show concern, only to attempt to coax her back to the party.
Mr.
Povall added, “He became predatory and violent.
He told her to stand up and face him.” It was then that Smith raped her from behind and engaged in a “sordid and degrading” sexual act.
The teenager later used social media to share with friends that she had been raped before reporting the incident to a family member.
Smith, who works as a carpenter and kitchen fitter, pleaded guilty last year to the charges of rape and sexual assault.
In his defence, solicitor Kevin Molloy described him as “a 60-year-old man of positive good character with 14 grandchildren.
He is a devoted family man.
There is no excuse for something that was wholly uncharacteristic.” Mr.
Molloy also stated that Smith made an immediate confession to his son, and police confirmed that he admitted his actions.
The lawyer emphasized that Smith feels genuine remorse and is embarrassed by his conduct.
The judge, Recorder Patrick Fields, addressed the defendant and told him, “This event has had a devastating effect on the victim.
Her life has been derailed by your violations of her.” As part of his sentence, Smith is required to comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and register as a sex offender for life.
He will serve at least two-thirds of his prison term before being eligible for parole.
The court also told the victim, who attended the hearing, that the judge hoped she would now be able to move forward with her life.
