LESICENCIAS SMITH ARLESTON CHILD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCE REDUCED BY ONE YEAR

In April 2019, a significant development occurred in the case of Lescencias Smith, a pensioner residing in Arleston, who had previously been convicted of multiple heinous sexual offenses involving minors. Smith, aged 71 at the time, was sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison after being found guilty of three separate sexual crimes committed against two different victims.

The court proceedings at Shrewsbury Crown Court revealed that Smith's criminal conduct included the rape of a girl under the age of 16, indecent assault on another young girl, and the act of inciting a different girl to participate in sexual activities. The trial uncovered that Smith had repeatedly abused one of the children over a period of time, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

The case only gained public and legal attention when a parent of one of the victims reported a recent incident involving another minor, prompting authorities to investigate further. This led to Smith’s arrest and subsequent conviction on multiple counts of sexual misconduct.

Initially, Smith was sentenced to serve two years for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, three years for indecent assault, and a lengthy ten-year term for the rape. These sentences were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative prison term of 15 years.

However, in a subsequent hearing held on a Monday, Judge Anthony Lowe revisited Smith’s case to consider whether the sentences should be adjusted. The judge noted that some of the offenses occurred after a specific legislative act, which influenced the decision to reduce the overall sentence by one year, bringing the total down to 14 years. Despite this reduction, the judge clarified that if Smith were to serve the full term or commit further offenses before completing the 14 years, he would be subject to an additional two years on licence.

In delivering his judgment in February 2019, Judge Lowe emphasized the severity of Smith’s crimes, stating, “You have been convicted of the most severe sexual abuse. You have had the benefit of living within society within that period of time as if you were a man of good character, when in fact you were anything but. I see no reason why this sentence should be reduced with regards to your age.” The case underscores the ongoing concern over sexual offenses against minors and the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring appropriate sentencing for such grave crimes.