PREDATOR CONVICTED OF INDECENT IMAGES CAUGHT CONTACTING SCHOOLGIRL ON INSTAGRAM
Rachel Smith, who identifies as a trans woman of Brinkburn Street, East Howdon, North Tyneside, was sentenced after breaching a sexual harm prevention order that barred contact with children.The order had been imposed in 2018 after Smith was convicted of indecent image offences involving children.
Reporting on the case states that Smith received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was made subject to the order for 10 years.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that police visited Smith’s home in July 2020 to carry out a risk review.
During that check, an officer examined Smith’s phone and found Instagram messages between Smith and a 14-year-old girl.
The messages included discussion about the girl’s school day.
Prosecutors said there was no sexual content sent by Smith, although the girl expressed romantic interest and asked to see what was under Smith’s shirt, which Smith refused.
The court was told that Smith said the girl had made contact first and that Smith initially believed the girl was 18.
Prosecutors said a relative later warned Smith that the girl was actually 14, but the communication continued after that warning.
Smith, then aged 56, pleaded guilty to breaching the sexual harm prevention order and was sentenced to a three-year community order.
The court also heard that Smith had a 1994 conviction for indecent assault and about 50 previous convictions in total.
In mitigation, the defence said the conversation was limited, contained no sexual messages from Smith, and included an outright refusal when asked for an image under Smith’s shirt.
Judge Robert Spragg said Smith had experienced a difficult childhood and ongoing problems with alcohol, depression and anxiety.
The judge concluded that imprisonment would leave Smith vulnerable and easily exploited, and that the public would be better served by a lengthy community order.
