ALEXANDER SMITH FROM LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT JAILED FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN PORTSMOUTH

In a case that has shocked the local community, Alexander Smith, a long-standing volunteer with the Army Cadet Force, was sentenced to 16 months in prison after being found guilty of exposing himself to a teenage girl in Portsmouth. The incident, which took place in 2010, revealed a disturbing abuse of trust by a man who had served as a respected figure within the cadet organization for 17 years.

According to court proceedings, Smith, who resides on Holt Close in Lee-on-the-Solent, engaged in inappropriate conversations with the 16-year-old girl before committing the act. The girl, whose identity is protected by law, recounted that Smith had given her a lift in his car when he began discussing sexual topics and making suggestive remarks. The situation escalated when Smith exposed himself while they were parked in Portsmouth, leaving the girl feeling frightened and anxious.

During the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, the jury deliberated for only two hours before reaching a verdict of guilty. Smith, a married father of three, denied the charge of exposure, but the evidence presented was compelling enough to convict him. The judge, Recorder Anthony Davies QC, described the act as a clear abuse of Smith’s position of authority and trust. In his sentencing remarks, he emphasized that Smith had exploited the girl’s trust and respect, initiating and pursuing sexual conversations while driving her in his vehicle.

Recorder Davies stated, “You took advantage of the situation and of her. You were in a position of trust and in a position of authority – you abused both of those. You initiated and pursued conversations of a sexual nature as you drove her. The sexual conversation became more intimate and the questions you asked her more intimate. She could not get out of the car. She felt awkward, then anxious, and ultimately scared. She was confused because she trusted you and thought you would respect her.”

He further condemned Smith’s actions, noting that Smith had denied the incident and chose to contest the allegations, forcing the girl to give evidence in court. The judge concluded that such an offense was so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.

Following his conviction, Smith was immediately suspended from his role in the Army Cadet Force. The organization had already taken action in September 2010, suspending him when the allegations first surfaced. Defense lawyer Stephen Smyth argued that Smith, who is now in his late forties, had suffered significant personal and professional consequences, describing the incident as a “one-off” and highlighting the shame associated with being placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Character references from friends, colleagues, and Smith’s wife were presented to the court, and his eldest daughter was present to support him. Despite this, prosecutor Gary Venturi emphasized the lasting impact on the victim, stating that her relationship with adults has been affected by the incident. Smith will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, a measure that underscores the gravity of his misconduct and the community’s concern over safeguarding vulnerable individuals.