JOSEPH SMITH JAILED FOR 24 YEARS IN WOLVERHAMPTON FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
A man from Wolverhampton, Joseph Smith, 37, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing two young girls over a period of more than four years.Smith exploited his position of trust to target the girls, beginning his abuse while living in Wolverhampton.
The first girl was subjected to physical touching and later rape, with the abuse ongoing until she finally gathered the courage to report it.
Following an investigation by West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit, it emerged that Smith had also sexually assaulted a second girl.
Smith initially denied the charges, but he was forced to face a two-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty on September 24, finding him guilty of nine counts of sexual assault and nine counts of rape.
On Thursday, a judge sentenced Smith, who was most recently residing in Wiltshire, to 24 years in prison.
He will also be compulsorily placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Constable Kerry Bromhall from the unit commented: "Smith subjected the girls to years of physical abuse, not to mention the psychological torment that such abuse often leaves behind." She further praised the bravery of the victims, saying, "I commend these young girls for their bravery, firstly in coming forward to report what happened to them, but also in continually reliving their experience through a lengthy investigation, hampered by Covid, and giving evidence at trial." The detective concluded, "I truly hope this sentence gives them the closure they need and the knowledge that Smith is no longer able to do this to anyone else." The police force emphasized that anyone who has been subjected to sexual abuse, regardless of when it happened, will be listened to and supported by specialist officers.
