DAVID SMITH FROM GALSTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD RAPE IN EAST AYRSHIRE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Galston and the wider East Ayrshire region, David Smith, aged 64, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after being found guilty of multiple heinous crimes involving young girls. The offences spanned over a 16-year period, from 1975 to 1991, during which Smith subjected his victims to a series of sexual assaults and physical abuses that have left deep scars.

Smith's criminal activities came to light during a high-profile trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Despite his vehement denials, claiming that his victims were 'scheming' and 'liars,' the jury convicted him on numerous counts. The judge, Lord Matthews, delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Smith’s actions. He stated, "You committed a catalogue of physical and sexual abuse towards children. I have seen the victim impact statement which detail in graphic detail your offending. Mere words are inadequate to describe your actions."

One of the victims, who first encountered Smith’s predatory behavior at the tender age of seven, described him as consistently being 'touchy-feely.' She recounted that her ordeal began when she was just a child and that she was first raped when she reached the age of ten. She testified that Smith had stolen her childhood, with the abuse occurring on multiple occasions between June 1979 and June 1985. Her account detailed how Smith would strip her naked, kiss her on the neck, and then proceed to assault her sexually. The victim, now 45, also revealed that Smith would physically punish her with a belt, a poker, a shovel, and a wooden spoon, adding a layer of brutality to his crimes.

Another woman, now aged 39, shared her traumatic experience with the court. She admitted to having blocked out most of what Smith did to her as a means of survival. Her testimony highlighted the psychological toll of her abuse, which she endured during the same period. She recounted an incident between January 1983 and June 1985, where Smith forced her to wear his wife’s bra and pants before sexually assaulting her. However, this particular charge was not proven in court.

Smith’s criminal record also includes the sexual abuse of a third girl between February 1976 and February 1979. During the trial, it was revealed that Smith engaged in sexual activity with one of his victims while she was sleeping in bed with another girl he had assaulted. This disturbing detail underscores the extent of his predatory behavior.

Throughout the proceedings, Smith, also known by the nickname 'Darter,' maintained his innocence, claiming that his victims were 'liars.' Nevertheless, the jury’s verdict was clear, and the court’s judgment reflected the severity of his crimes. Judge Lord Matthews ordered Smith to be remanded in custody, placed on the sex offenders register, and deferred sentencing until the following month, indicating that further legal considerations are pending.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of these revelations, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators like David Smith, whose actions have caused irreparable harm to multiple young lives in East Ayrshire.