NIGEL SMITH FROM HILPERTON JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD AND ADULT VICTIM IN SWINDON
In a case that has shocked the local community of Hilperton and the wider Swindon area, Nigel Smith has been sentenced to prison for serious sexual offences committed against two victims, one of whom was only 12 years old at the time of the assault.The court proceedings, held at Swindon Crown Court, revealed disturbing details about Smith's criminal history and the impact of his actions on the victims involved.
According to court reports, Smith, who was just 16 years old when he committed the initial offence, forcibly raped a young girl in the spring of 2003.
The victim, who was only 12 at the time, was unaware of her pregnancy until approximately a month before giving birth.
She believed she was suffering from a stomach upset, which led her to seek medical attention.
It was only after a doctor diagnosed her as pregnant that she finally disclosed the truth to authorities.
The DNA evidence subsequently confirmed that Smith was the father of her child.
Prosecutor Hannah Squire detailed how Smith threatened the young girl if she told anyone about the assault, which added a layer of intimidation and fear that kept her silent for years.
The girl, overwhelmed and frightened, initially lied when questioned about her pregnancy.
It was only last year that she felt able to reveal the truth to the police, leading to Smith’s arrest and subsequent charges.
Further court disclosures indicated that Smith committed another sexual offence a few years later, in late 2007, against a woman who was attending a drunken party.
This victim was described as suffering from learning difficulties, which made her particularly vulnerable to abuse.
The court heard that the assault took place during the aftermath of the party, adding to the distress experienced by the victim.
Smith, residing at Pike Close, Hilperton, Trowbridge, pleaded guilty to the charges of rape and another sexual offence.
He denied four additional counts of rape related to the two victims, but prosecutors announced they would not pursue a trial on those allegations.
During the hearing, Smith’s defense lawyer, Mark Ashley, highlighted his client’s low IQ and mental capacity, stating that he functions at the level of a child.
He emphasized that Smith was only 16-and-a-half years old at the time of the first offence, which was a significant factor in the court’s considerations.
Judge Tim Mousley QC delivered the sentence, acknowledging the severity and impact of Smith’s actions.
He remarked on the vulnerability of the young girl at the time of the rape and emphasized that the trauma inflicted on her would have lasting effects.
The judge described the consequences for the victims as 'far reaching' and stated that the effects would likely persist throughout their lives.
As a result, Nigel Smith was sentenced to two years in prison.
The court also imposed a restraining order to prevent him from contacting his victims and mandated that he register as a sex offender for a period of ten years.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of sexual violence and the importance of justice for victims in the Swindon and Hilperton communities.
