LEE SMITH

A man has received a 13-year prison sentence after being convicted of nine separate sexual offenses, which included rape and sexual assault of a minor.

The crimes spanned over ten years, during which he carried out a sustained campaign of abuse.

Lee Smith (born 03/01/1979), residing on Kirkway in Rochdale, was convicted in July following a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.

The charges against him included multiple counts of sexual misconduct.

The court learned that in 1999, Smith, who had developed a friendship with a relative of the victim, frequently visited their home.

During these visits, he regularly assaulted the young child.

The abuse often took place under the guise of reading bedtime stories when Smith would enter the child's bedroom, then proceed to inappropriately touch him.

He manipulated the child into believing he had no choice but to comply.

At times, the young boy was left in pain after these assaults.

Over the years, the abuse persisted, often occurring when the child's mother was away or when Smith was at his own residence.

The nature of this grooming and manipulation was so severe that the boy came to see the abuse as normal, as Smith systematically exploited his trust.

As the victim grew older, he began talking openly about the abuse with friends and relatives, which led to police investigations.

In a separate online investigation, which resulted in Smith's conviction as well, he engaged in conversations he believed were with a 13-year-old boy.

Authorities traced Smith to his home and arrested him for attempting to engage in sexual communications.

Following his trial, Smith was found guilty of nine offenses, including two counts of indecent assault, two counts under section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act, one count involving causing a child to engage in sexual activity under section 10, another under section 4 for causing sexual activity, as well as sexual assault, rape, and attempting to communicate sexually online.

Sergeant Kathryn Ross from Greater Manchester Police commented: “Lee Smith’s disgusting exploitation of a child over more than ten years reveals his heinous nature.

I am relieved he is now incarcerated for his crimes.

His victim’s courage in coming forward was extraordinary, and I thank them for helping bring Smith to justice." She added: “Even after more than 25 years since the initial abuse, Smith continued to seek to exploit children online—showing a complete disregard for their age.

I urge anyone who has been subject to abuse or sexual offenses to reach out.

You will be heard and believed.”