HAROLD SMITH SENTENCED TO LIFE IN NORWICH FOR CHILD RAPE CRIMES

In December 2002, a disturbing case unfolded in Norwich involving Harold Smith, a man with a long and troubling history of sexual offenses against children. Smith, aged 61 and residing in Bergh Apton near Norwich, was convicted of heinous crimes involving a nine-year-old boy, leading to a life sentence.

Smith had consistently denied the four counts of rape and one count of indecent assault brought against him. However, after a thorough trial that concluded in October, the jury found him guilty of all charges. The court proceedings revealed that Smith's criminal record stretched back to 1958, with multiple convictions for sex offenses involving minors.

During the sentencing hearing at Norwich Crown Court, Smith refused to leave his cell to face the court. He also admitted to assaulting officers attempting to arrest him in June, further demonstrating his defiance and the dangerous nature of his conduct. The presiding judge, David Mellor, expressed his concerns about Smith's behavior and the risks involved in bringing him to court. He stated, “With his record I am not prepared to put members of the custody team at risk to bring him up.”

Judge Mellor emphasized the severity of Smith’s crimes, describing them as “grave offenses” that warranted a mandatory life sentence. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Smith had filmed himself abusing the young boy, a chilling detail that underscored the brutality of his actions. Additionally, Smith had used sweets and toys to manipulate the child into silence, further illustrating his predatory behavior.

The court also heard about Smith’s disturbing past, which included attempting to kidnap a boy at knifepoint and taking an 11-year-old into nearby woods where he sexually assaulted him. Despite these serious offenses, Smith was never registered as a sex offender, as his previous crimes predated the introduction of the sex offenders’ register in 1997.

Overall, the case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by individuals with a history of sexual violence against children, and the justice system’s response in ensuring such offenders are held accountable for their actions in Norwich.