Pensioner John Victor Smith jailed for decades of child abuse

John Victor Smith, a pensioner, was convicted of abusing three children over several years, consisting of repeated rapes, sexual assaults, and forcing the children to carry out sexual acts. The crimes spanned from the 1980s to the 2000s. The abuse was uncovered after one of the victims, now an adult, disclosed the abuses to a relative, who contacted the police. An investigation led to charges of multiple rape and sexual offences. Smith initially denied wrongdoing but later pleaded guilty in court. Judge Richard Bennett sentenced him to 37 years in prison, with an extended license of two years, acknowledging that the crimes were among the worst seen in his 38-year policing career. The police officer leading the case commended the victims' bravery and stated, "These two predators groomed and raped young children for their own sexual gain, robbing them of their childhoods and leaving them with mental scars that have lasted a lifetime."