COLIN ANDREW SMITH HORRIFIC SEX OFFENCES IN HULTON-LE-CLAY AND HUMBERSTON

A 78-year-old pensioner faces the grim prospect of spending the remainder of his life behind bars after being sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences. Colin Smith, who previously resided on St John's Road in Humberston, was initially handed a 17-year sentence in February 2014 for a disturbing pattern of abuse directed at a young girl. However, the authorities have now extended his incarceration by an additional three years following new convictions related to two further sexual assaults involving a different victim, a young boy.

In the original case from February 2014, Smith was convicted of multiple serious charges after a trial at Grimsby Crown Court. The court heard that Smith, then aged 75, had denied 13 separate sex offences but was found guilty of 11 counts. These included six counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child, and one count of sexual assault. The offences were described as 'devastating' and involved a pattern of intimidation and coercion that inflicted profound psychological harm on the young girl involved. The court was told that the impact on her was so severe that recovery through therapy was deemed unlikely.

Judge Paul Watson QC addressed the court, emphasizing the severity of Smith's actions. He stated that the victim was forced to endure Smith's sexual desires whenever he demanded, despite her resistance. The judge described the consequences for the victim as 'devastating' and criticized Smith for attempting to deceive the jury. The prognosis for her future was described as extremely poor, with the judge noting that her trauma might prevent her from benefiting from therapeutic intervention, leaving little hope for her recovery. The judge condemned Smith's conduct as treating the girl as 'sexual chattel' and described his actions as 'virtually indescribable.' He further condemned Smith for using intimidation and coercion, labeling his behaviour as 'despicable.' The judge expressed his disbelief that such conduct could occur in a community and concluded that a substantial custodial sentence was justified.

Regarding Andrew Smith, the 55-year-old son of Colin, he was also tried in connection with the offences. He denied two counts of rape involving the same victim but was convicted of one and sentenced to eight years in prison. He was acquitted of a charge of indecent assault. The court heard that Andrew Smith had been married for nearly 30 years and had two sons attending university. His legal representatives acknowledged the gravity of the offences but highlighted his otherwise positive personal background.

Prosecutors and the judge made it clear that the offences committed by both men were of the highest severity. The court was told that Colin Smith had previously been considered a community member of good standing, but his actions had shattered that reputation. The judge underscored the profound and lasting damage inflicted on the victims, emphasizing that such conduct warrants a lengthy period of incarceration to protect society and serve justice.