JUANILA SMIKLE FROM NOTTINGHAM FOUND GUILTY OF CHILD CRUELTY IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Nottingham community, grandmother Juanila Smikle, aged 55, was convicted of multiple counts of cruelty towards children following a lengthy trial at Nottingham Crown Court.The proceedings, which began more than two weeks ago, culminated in a series of unanimous and near-unanimous verdicts that have now set the stage for her sentencing.
Judge Gregory Dickinson QC announced that Smikle would face sentencing on October 4, after carefully reviewing all aspects of the case.
The jury, composed of seven women and five men, deliberated extensively, with their decision-making process lasting approximately 15 hours before reaching their verdicts.
The final verdicts saw Smikle found guilty of five counts of cruelty to children under the age of 16, with the jury unanimously agreeing on three charges and nearly unanimous on the fifth, which was decided by an 11 to 1 majority.
Throughout the proceedings, Smikle sat silently in the courtroom, her demeanor subdued, as the jury forewoman read out the verdicts to the court clerk.
The judge addressed her directly, stating, “A prison sentence is inevitable.
It is regrettable I can’t do that today.
I am sorry because from everybody’s perspective, it needs to be brought to a conclusion.
It is a matter of the length of that inevitable sentence.” Smikle responded with a simple “OK.” The case was initiated following the tragic death of seven-year-old Shanay Walker, who had been in Smikle’s care.
Shanay died in July 2014 from a brain haemorrhage.
Prosecutor Richard Pratt QC clarified that there was no suggestion Smikle was responsible for Shanay’s death.
However, investigations revealed that Smikle had subjected Shanay to prolonged abuse and ill-treatment over a two-year period prior to her death.
The prosecution described how Shanay was often made to face a wall and was deprived of basic pleasures, including being punished for attempting to steal water, apples, and other food items.
Mr.
Pratt emphasized that the prosecution did not allege Smikle caused Shanay’s death, reiterating, “We do not allege, and never have alleged, that the defendant was responsible for causing her death.” Nonetheless, the inquiry into Shanay’s death uncovered evidence of cruelty directed at other children under Smikle’s care, leading to the charges she faced.
During the trial, the judge explained to the jury that this was the second time the case had been brought before them.
Smikle had previously been found guilty, but a retrial was ordered due to legal issues.
The judge expressed his appreciation for the jury’s service, stating, “It is right you have considered this afresh.
I am and often say to juries that I am a huge fan of the jury system.
Important decisions like this should be made by members of the local community and not by judges.
It is a very important public duty you have performed and I am extremely grateful.” As the court proceedings concluded, the gravity of the case left a lasting impact on those present, highlighting the importance of justice for vulnerable children and the community’s role in safeguarding their welfare.
