CHRISTOPHER SMITH FROM OLDHAM AND ROCHDALE SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE OF 3-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the communities of Oldham and Rochdale, Christopher Smith, aged 23, has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after admitting to attempting to rape a three-year-old girl. The incident occurred last year, and Smith was caught in the act with the young girl, leading to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

Initially, Smith appeared at Manchester Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to the charge of attempted rape. At that time, he was given a three-year community rehabilitation order and was also placed under a sexual offences prevention order that would remain in effect for five years. The court's decision was based on the probation reports which highlighted that Smith suffered from a mild mental learning difficulty and exhibited a naive understanding of relationships and contact with children. The judge at the time, Judge Stuart Fish, did not impose a custodial sentence, citing these factors and the belief that community-based treatment might be appropriate.

However, the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith QC, was not satisfied with this lenient approach. He referred the case to the Court of Appeal, arguing that the sentence was