JOSHUA SMITH'S NIGHT OF HORROR IN BURSTLEM: SEX ATTACKS AND ROBBERY SHOCK STOKE-ON-TRENT

In March 2021, a series of violent and sexually motivated crimes unfolded in the town of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, involving Joshua Smith, a 26-year-old married father of two. The events of that night left a trail of trauma and chaos, culminating in Smith's sentencing to five years and six months in prison.

According to court proceedings, the night began with Smith engaging in disturbing behavior towards a woman. At approximately 7:30 pm, he approached her in an aggressive manner, pushing her face towards his groin after exposing himself. The victim, visibly distressed, managed to push him away and described his conduct as animalistic and utterly disgusting. She recounted feeling terrified during the ordeal, which included Smith pulling her hair and attempting to simulate oral sex while uttering, “come here.” Despite her efforts to escape, the assault left her deeply shaken, and she has since reported difficulty sleeping, resorting to sleeping pills to cope.

Following this incident, Smith and his friend headed to a nearby snooker hall situated near the Grange Estate in Burslem. The friend, who had earlier won £383 at a bookmaker, decided to leave the venue. However, Smith's reaction was violent; he punched and kicked his friend, then stole his wallet containing approximately £500. Smith's assault on his friend was brutal, involving punches, kicks, and the theft of the wallet, which he then fled with, leaving his friend injured.

Later that same night, at around 9:30 pm, Smith encountered a second woman. His behavior quickly turned sexually inappropriate and threatening. He attempted to force her over a bench, rubbing his groin against her, and then proceeded to grab her breasts over her clothing, squeezing them forcefully. The woman was able to push him away, but Smith's actions did not cease. He left behind a rucksack containing cannabis and scales, with the drugs estimated to have a street value between £2,000 and £3,000, weighing approximately 500 grams. Smith later realized he had left the drugs behind and returned to retrieve them.

Smith was arrested later that evening. During police questioning, he chose to remain silent, replying only with “no comment.” His criminal record includes previous short custodial sentences, but this case marked the longest sentence he faced. In court, his defense highlighted his status as a married man with two children, with his wife expecting their third child imminently. His legal representative acknowledged that Smith's drunken behavior contributed to his actions, describing his conduct as loutish and influenced by alcohol.

Prosecutor Tariq Shakoor detailed the incidents, emphasizing the severity of Smith's assaults and thefts. The first victim, in her victim impact statement, expressed her ongoing distress, stating she has been unable to sleep since the attack and is now dependent on sleeping pills.

Judge Anthony Warner, presiding over the case, ordered Smith to be placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely. He remarked that the sexual offenses likely would not have occurred had Smith not been intoxicated and urged him to reflect on his shameful behavior. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of Smith's crimes and the impact they have had on his victims and the community of Burslem.