KEVIN SMITH FROM SALEM SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN SALISBURY

In April 2010, a man from Salem, Kevin Smith, was sentenced to a decade behind bars after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young girls. Smith, a 64-year-old businessman, had a disturbing history of grooming and abusing two young victims, which culminated in a lengthy prison term and lifelong registration as a sex offender.

Smith’s criminal activities came to light after a detailed investigation and subsequent trial at Salisbury Crown Court. The court heard how Smith, who resided on Cyprus Close in Salem, had manipulated and exploited two girls over a period of years. His first victim, referred to as Girl A, was just 11 years old when Smith began grooming her through the exchange of gifts and money. This pattern of manipulation persisted until the girl’s parents grew suspicious of the relationship, leading to its termination.

Following the end of his contact with Girl A, Smith turned his attention to a second victim, Girl B, who was 13 at the time. His interactions with her were frequent, sometimes occurring twice weekly. As their relationship progressed, Smith’s behavior became increasingly invasive. After Girl B’s 14th birthday, he began drawing curtains when she was at his house and engaged in inappropriate touching. On multiple occasions, he paid her money to perform sexual acts, escalating to full sexual intercourse. During one particularly egregious incident, Smith held her down on a bed and raped her without using any protection.

The court was also informed that Smith had taken indecent photographs of the girls and written love letters to Girl B, which ultimately led her to confide in her parents. The parents then contacted the police, prompting an investigation that resulted in Smith’s arrest and subsequent trial.

During the proceedings, Smith denied all charges, but the jury found him guilty on multiple counts. He was convicted of two counts of indecent assault on Girl A, one count of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault, two counts of indecency with a child, one count of assault by penetration, four counts of taking indecent photographs, and two counts of rape against Girl B.

In sentencing, the court imposed a ten-year prison term, ordered Smith to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, and mandated the payment of £4,250 in court costs. The judge highlighted the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victims, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from such predatory behavior.

Outside the courtroom, the families of the victims expressed their relief and satisfaction with the outcome. One family member stated, “Justice has been done. This man has been given the correct sentence.” Girl B, now older, reflected on the ordeal, saying, “It was scary seeing him in court. I’m just glad it’s all over.”