GORDON SMITH FROM KEIGHLEY AND NEWPORT SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND PREGNANCY CASE

In a series of disturbing criminal cases spanning from November 2000 to August 2002, Gordon Smith, a man with connections to both Keighley and Newport, was brought to justice for heinous acts involving minors.

Back in November 2000, Smith, then aged 34 and residing in South Wales after leaving Keighley in 1997, was sentenced to three years in prison for the grave offense of making a 12-year-old girl pregnant. The Cardiff Crown Court heard how Smith, a married man at the time, had developed a relationship with the young girl while working on a building site in the Newport area. One night, taking advantage of her vulnerability, he entered her home while her mother was asleep, took her into the kitchen, and committed a sexual assault, which included indecent exposure and unlawful sexual intercourse. Smith pleaded guilty to these charges.

The young girl, who is now 13, has since given birth, and her family along with social services are providing her with support to cope with the emotional and physical aftermath of the assault. The court was informed that the girl had harbored a crush on Smith, which he exploited for his own gratification. Judge Michael Burr emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, "Your plea of guilty reflects well on you and you accept the seriousness of your behaviour. You knew she was only 12. You exploited her vulnerability."

Detective Constable Fergus Jamieson, who led the investigation, expressed the profound impact of Smith’s actions, describing how the girl’s childhood was irreparably damaged. He remarked, "Smith has taken away her innocence. It was a hideous offence. Her long-term mental and emotional well-being will be affected, and she is still undergoing counselling and learning parenting skills." Jamieson also highlighted the support the girl was receiving, but acknowledged the lasting scars left by the crime.

Fast forward to August 2002, Smith, now aged 37 and residing in Ringland, Newport, was convicted of a series of grave sexual offenses involving five young girls aged between five and 13. The court heard how Smith, a serial predator, systematically befriended the mothers of these children, often targeting vulnerable women to gain access to their homes. Prosecutor Daniel Williams described Smith as a "predatory" individual who used these relationships as a means to sexually abuse their children. One of his victims, a 12-year-old girl, was subjected to a sexual attack that resulted in her becoming pregnant.

Smith admitted to charges of rape and indecent assault on five girls, with the court revealing that he had threatened one victim with violence if she disclosed his abuse. The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment for three counts of rape, with a recommendation that he serve at least nine years before being considered for parole. Additionally, he received a five-year sentence for two specimen charges of indecent assault. It was also noted that Smith refused to participate in a sex offenders’ treatment program while incarcerated for previous offenses.

These cases underscore the disturbing pattern of Gordon Smith’s criminal behavior, highlighting the severe impact on his victims and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring such offenders to justice. His actions have left indelible scars on the lives of the children involved, and his sentencing aims to protect society from further harm.