Rochdale Paedophile Jailed for 13 Years After Decade of Abuse

Rochdale, UK - A 46-year-old man from Rochdale has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against a young boy, spanning over a decade. Lee Smith, of Kirkway, Rochdale, abused the victim, starting in 1999 when the boy was a child.

Minshull Street Crown Court heard how Smith befriended a relative of the victim and would frequently visit their home. He abused the child, often under the guise of 'reading a bedtime story', during which he would inappropriately touch him. Police reports indicate that Smith manipulated the victim into feeling obligated to comply with his demands, often leaving him in pain. The abuse continued even when the victim's mother was not present.

The victim bravely disclosed the abuse to friends and family as he grew older, prompting a police investigation.

In a separate incident in November 2024, Smith was also found guilty of attempted sexual communications. He engaged in a conversation online, believing he was communicating with a 13-year-old boy. Officers were able to trace Smith to his address and arrested him.

Following the trial, a jury found Smith guilty of nine offences, including two counts of indecent assault, two counts of section 9 sexual activity under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, one count of section 10 (causing a child to engage in sexual activity), section 4 (causing sexual activity), sexual assault, rape, and attempted sexual communications.