COLIN SMITH HORRIFIC SEX OFFENCES IN HUMBERSTON LEAD TO 20-YEAR SENTENCE

In April 2017, a chilling case involving Colin Smith, a pensioner from Humberston, drew widespread condemnation as he faced the consequences of a series of heinous sexual offences. Smith, who was 78 years old at the time, was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison after a lengthy and disturbing history of abuse.

In 2014, Smith received a 17-year prison term for a series of devastating sexual crimes committed against a young girl. The severity of his actions and the impact on his victims prompted the court to impose a substantial sentence, reflecting the gravity of his offences. The judge at the time, Judge Peter Kelson QC, did not hold back in his condemnation, stating, "It’s not a day too long for the evil you have done. All I can do is mark the evil that you embarked on."

Smith, who was then residing on St John’s Road in Humberston, had initially denied 13 sexual offences involving the girl during his 2014 trial at Grimsby Crown Court. However, after a jury deliberation, he was convicted of 11 counts, which included six charges of rape, two counts of indecent assault, two of indecency with a child, and one of sexual assault. The court found the evidence compelling enough to convict him on these serious allegations.

Fast forward to the latest trial, Smith faced additional charges for two sexual assaults committed against a boy under the age of 13. Despite his denial of these offences, the jury convicted him on majority verdicts of ten to two. Judge Kelson emphasized the jury’s decision, stating, "The jury have disbelieved and convicted you." The judge also commended the resilience of the victims, describing them as "staggering in their strength and fortitude" and calling them "remarkable people."

The young boy, who was subjected to Smith’s abuse, provided a statement revealing the profound impact of the crimes. He acknowledged that he knew what Smith was doing was wrong but admitted that the abuse increasingly affected him over time. The victim expressed awareness that Smith, as an adult, would have understood the harm he was causing. Despite suffering from depression and anxiety, the boy declared his determination not to let the abuse define his future, stating, "I am determined not to let what Colin Smith did to me stop me from having the life I want."

During the sentencing hearing, Jeremy Lindsay, representing the defense, pointed out that the offences, though unpleasant, were repeated over a few months without threats or violence. Despite this, the court’s focus remained on the severity of Smith’s actions and their lasting impact. As Smith was led away from the dock, he displayed defiance, shouting to spectators in the public gallery, "I hope you can sleep at night."

Smith will be required to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities following his release. This case echoes the earlier sentencing, where Judge Paul Watson QC described the victim’s ordeal as one where her "sexual desires [were] forced upon her whenever you demanded it," despite her resistance. The judge highlighted the devastating effect on the girl, emphasizing that Smith’s conduct was "virtually indescribable" and involved "intimidation or coercion."

Judge Watson condemned Smith’s behavior as "despicable conduct" and expressed the difficulty for the community to comprehend how a man could behave in such a manner. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Humberston, illustrating the profound harm caused by such reprehensible acts and the justice served in response.