DAVID SMITH FROM NEWTON ABBOT SENT BACK TO DARTMOOR PRISON AFTER BEING CAUGHT WITH HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN DEVON
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community in Devon, particularly in the town of Newton Abbot, David Smith, a 50-year-old man, has been returned to prison after police uncovered deeply disturbing images linked to child abuse.The investigation was initiated when authorities, monitoring Smith due to his previous convictions, discovered that he was attempting to conceal his online activities using sophisticated masking software and untraceable internet addresses.
Despite his efforts to hide his actions, police became suspicious when they found images that Smith claimed depicted flat-chested young adult women.
However, further examination revealed far more sinister content.
Officers uncovered photographs of infants as young as six months being subjected to sexual assault by adult men, images that have been described as 'truly appalling' by the judge presiding over the case.
During a court hearing at Exeter Crown Court, the severity of the images was emphasized.
The judge stated, “They are truly appalling.
They showed the worst conceivable child abuse.
They are completely disgusting and one can only imagine with horror the pain and suffering caused by these acts.” Smith’s criminal history includes a lengthy and serious conviction from 2007, when he was sentenced to an indefinite term under the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) scheme for making and distributing child abuse images.
At that time, he was declared a dangerous offender.
After serving seven years, Smith was released following completion of various courses aimed at reducing his risk to the community.
However, he remained under strict supervision on prison licence, with authorities under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (Mappa) conducting regular checks.
In May of the previous year, during an unannounced spot check at his residence in South Devon, officers discovered the illicit images on his devices.
This led to his immediate recall to prison, where he is currently held at Dartmoor Prison.
The IPP sentence, which functions as a form of life imprisonment, remains active, meaning Smith will only be released if he can convincingly demonstrate to authorities that he no longer poses a threat.
Further legal proceedings saw Smith admit to three counts of making indecent images of children by downloading material.
Judge Timothy Rose sentenced him to two years in prison for these offences.
During the sentencing, the judge remarked on Smith’s manipulative behavior, noting, “You were not only unable to control your impulses but you were acting in a manipulative and secretive way and taking what steps you could to avoid detection, knowing you were being supervised.
You used virtual private networks and masking software so you could cheat the system and carry on offending.” Prosecutor Mr.
Tom Faulkner detailed the police operation, explaining that on May 21, 2020, two officers seized Smith’s phones and laptop during a Mappa visit.
Suspicious activity was noted due to his use of a VPN and the presence of disturbing images.
The devices contained 18 images of naked girls and 101 images on a phone, including 17 in the most severe category, some depicting babies up to a year old being penetrated by adult men.
Searches for necrophilia, nudist children, and content from a site called Incest Daily were also found.
Smith’s defense lawyer, Mr.
Andrew Cohen, expressed remorse, stating, “He is very sorry that he was unable to control his interest in children but has now been recalled and has no idea when he will be released.
He had been doing well on licence, working as an assistant at a Mountain Warehouse shop where he was well regarded and even served as a keyholder.” Given the nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk assessment, Smith remains under the IPP, and his future release remains uncertain, pending the authorities’ judgment on his rehabilitation and safety to the community.
