CSE Criminal Leslie Smith, 70, Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison
A 70-year-old serial predator branded a, "monster", will likely die behind bars after being sentenced to 33 years in prison for a horrific catalogue of sexual abuse spanning two decades.
However, a judge at Manchester Crown Court revealed that Leslie Smith’s crimes were not committed alone, stating that his now-deceased wife, Lynda Smith, was, "actively involved", in his vile campaign of abuse.
Sentencing Smith on January 5th, Judge Rachel Smith said she was sure Lynda Smith, "knew what you were doing", and had participated in the abuse of several victims. Lynda Smith, 61, was charged with sexual offences and perverting the course of justice but died of natural causes last year before she could face trial.
"You are not to be sentenced for your wife’s actions", the judge told Leslie Smith.
A history of evasion
The court heard that the couple had effectively silenced their victims for years. In one instance, Lynda Smith pressured a child to retract an allegation made to police in 2000. When the victim went to the police again two years later, she was, "falsely branded a liar", allowing Leslie Smith to evade prosecution for years.
It was only when one victim came forward as an adult that a police investigation was launched, prompting others to follow.
Smith, of Schofield Close, Middleton, denied all charges and forced his victims to endure a trial. He maintained his innocence throughout and refused to accept responsibility for the devastating harm he caused.
‘No remorse’
Judge Smith told Smith: "Each of your victims gave evidence and was cross-examined on the basis they were lying. The harm caused by your offending has been severe and long lasting.
"You have expressed no remorse, which has caused further pain and distress to your victims".
Smith was found guilty of 23 counts of rape and multiple counts of indecent assault, buggery, and indecency involving six victims, including the rape of a boy aged five or six and a girl aged between six and eight.
Victim impact
During the sentencing hearing, one of Smith’s victims, bravely addressed her abuser in court, describing him as a "pathological liar".
"I have long referred to him as a monster", she said. "He has shown no remorse for what he has done to any of us, and continues to tell people he didn’t do it".
Another victim, said in a statement read to the court: "There will never be enough words to describe the impact of the abuse on me. There isn’t a prison sentence long enough for a sense of justice to be had which would equate to the damage he has caused".
Justice served
Detective Inspector Clare Harrison of Greater Manchester Police praised the, "immense courage, determination and resilience", of the survivors.
"The strength and courage of the survivors in this case cannot be acknowledged sufficiently", she said. "Their compelling evidence and powerful testimonies in court were pivotal in ensuring that some measure of justice could be served, ensuring that he will likely serve the rest of his life in prison".
Smith, who suffers from multiple health conditions, will serve two-thirds of his 33-year sentence before the parole board decides whether it is safe to release him. Given his age and health, it is expected he will remain in custody for the rest of his natural life.
However, a judge at Manchester Crown Court revealed that Leslie Smith’s crimes were not committed alone, stating that his now-deceased wife, Lynda Smith, was, "actively involved", in his vile campaign of abuse.
Sentencing Smith on January 5th, Judge Rachel Smith said she was sure Lynda Smith, "knew what you were doing", and had participated in the abuse of several victims. Lynda Smith, 61, was charged with sexual offences and perverting the course of justice but died of natural causes last year before she could face trial.
"You are not to be sentenced for your wife’s actions", the judge told Leslie Smith.
A history of evasion
The court heard that the couple had effectively silenced their victims for years. In one instance, Lynda Smith pressured a child to retract an allegation made to police in 2000. When the victim went to the police again two years later, she was, "falsely branded a liar", allowing Leslie Smith to evade prosecution for years.
It was only when one victim came forward as an adult that a police investigation was launched, prompting others to follow.
Smith, of Schofield Close, Middleton, denied all charges and forced his victims to endure a trial. He maintained his innocence throughout and refused to accept responsibility for the devastating harm he caused.
‘No remorse’
Judge Smith told Smith: "Each of your victims gave evidence and was cross-examined on the basis they were lying. The harm caused by your offending has been severe and long lasting.
"You have expressed no remorse, which has caused further pain and distress to your victims".
Smith was found guilty of 23 counts of rape and multiple counts of indecent assault, buggery, and indecency involving six victims, including the rape of a boy aged five or six and a girl aged between six and eight.
Victim impact
During the sentencing hearing, one of Smith’s victims, bravely addressed her abuser in court, describing him as a "pathological liar".
"I have long referred to him as a monster", she said. "He has shown no remorse for what he has done to any of us, and continues to tell people he didn’t do it".
Another victim, said in a statement read to the court: "There will never be enough words to describe the impact of the abuse on me. There isn’t a prison sentence long enough for a sense of justice to be had which would equate to the damage he has caused".
Justice served
Detective Inspector Clare Harrison of Greater Manchester Police praised the, "immense courage, determination and resilience", of the survivors.
"The strength and courage of the survivors in this case cannot be acknowledged sufficiently", she said. "Their compelling evidence and powerful testimonies in court were pivotal in ensuring that some measure of justice could be served, ensuring that he will likely serve the rest of his life in prison".
Smith, who suffers from multiple health conditions, will serve two-thirds of his 33-year sentence before the parole board decides whether it is safe to release him. Given his age and health, it is expected he will remain in custody for the rest of his natural life.
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