JAMES SMELLIE: RENTON SERIAL SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD ABUSES IN RENTON AND DUMBARTON

In a case that has spanned over a decade, James Smellie, a 68-year-old man from Renton, was recently convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses committed over a period stretching from 1972 to 1987. The court proceedings, held at Dumbarton Sheriff Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse involving three young girls, one of whom was only three years old at the time of her victimization.

Smellie, residing on New Cordale Road in Renton, faced a jury that deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before reaching a verdict. He was found guilty of four charges out of the five he faced, with the court acquitting him on one charge of lewd and libidinous behavior at a house in Dumbarton. The convictions include three counts of lewd and libidinous practices and behavior towards children, one count of indecent assault, and one count of breach of the peace.

The offenses for which Smellie was convicted all took place within the town of Renton, with the earliest incidents dating back to July and August of 1972. During this period, he targeted an eight-year-old girl, taking her by the hand and leading her into his bedroom. Court evidence detailed how he induced her to lie down on his bed, sit on his lap, and perform a sexual act at his behest. These acts marked the beginning of a long and troubling campaign of abuse.

Further offenses occurred between October 18, 1975, and October 17, 1981, involving another young girl aged between three and eight. Smellie reportedly lifted her onto his bed and instructed her to perform a sexual act, continuing his pattern of exploiting vulnerable children over several years.

Additional charges stemmed from incidents between October 18, 1984, and August 26, 1987, involving a girl aged between 12 and 14. On one such occasion, Smellie followed her outside, threw money at her, made a suggestive remark, and attempted to lure her back to his property. The court heard that the girl, now an adult aged between 40 and 55, testified behind a screen, providing evidence that contributed to the conviction.

The final conviction related to an incident between August 28, 1986, and August 27, 1987, at a house in Renton, where Smellie indecently assaulted a 12-year-old girl by placing his hands under her skirt and touching her thigh in exchange for money. This act further exemplifies the pattern of predatory behavior that spanned over a decade.

Throughout the trial, the victims, all now adults, gave their testimonies from behind screens, and the court was closed to the press and public following a directive from Sheriff Maxwell Hendry to protect their identities. Smellie maintained his innocence, denying all allegations during his time on the witness stand.

During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff Hendry emphasized the importance of considering the passage of time in such cases, noting that the Crown was not required to prove motive or intent. He highlighted that the victims were under the age of puberty at the time of the offenses and that Smellie was aware of this fact. The sheriff also pointed out that the case relied heavily on the victims' testimonies.

The court ordered that Smellie be placed on the sex offenders’ register, with the duration of his registration to be determined at a later date. Sentencing was deferred until May 29, and bail was continued until that time. The judge also indicated that reports from criminal justice social workers would be obtained to inform the final sentencing decision.

In summary, this case underscores the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice for victims who have endured such trauma over many years. Smellie’s actions, spanning from the early 1970s to the late 1980s, have now culminated in a prison sentence, but the scars left on his victims remain a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and protection within communities like Renton and Dumbarton.