RACHEL SMITH FROM EAST HOWDON CAUGHT IN ILLEGAL ONLINE CONTACT WITH SCHOOLGIRL IN TYNESIDE

In October 2020, a woman from East Howdon, North Tyneside, was found guilty of breaching a sexual harm prevention order by engaging in inappropriate online communication with a minor. Rachel Smith, aged 56, who resides on Brinkburn Street in East Howdon, had previously been subjected to a court-imposed order in 2018 following her conviction for possessing indecent images of children. This order explicitly prohibited her from contacting minors or engaging in any form of communication that could be deemed harmful.

However, during a routine police check conducted in July of this year, authorities visited Smith’s residence to perform a risk review. As part of this investigation, officers examined her mobile device. It was during this search that they uncovered evidence of illicit messages exchanged via Instagram between Smith and a young girl. The messages revealed ongoing communication, with the two discussing the girl’s daily activities at school. Prosecutors revealed that some of the messages indicated the girl’s romantic interest in Smith and her school teacher, suggesting a troubling pattern of contact.

Further investigation uncovered that Smith had been warned about the girl’s age. A relative of the minor had previously contacted her, explicitly instructing her to cease communication because the girl was only 14 years old. Despite this warning, Smith continued to engage with the girl, which constituted a clear breach of her legal restrictions. The court was informed that Smith believed the girl to be 18, but the girl’s aunt intervened, clarifying her actual age and urging Smith to stop all contact.

In court, Amy Levitt, the prosecuting attorney, detailed Smith’s criminal history, which includes a conviction for indecent assault dating back to 1994, along with a total of 50 previous convictions. Smith pleaded guilty to breaching the sexual harm prevention order. Judge Robert Spragg acknowledged her vulnerability and the risk of exploitation, emphasizing that a custodial sentence would not serve the best interests of the public or the defendant. Instead, he sentenced her to a three-year community order, which includes strict conditions aimed at monitoring her behavior and preventing further offenses.

Smith’s case highlights ongoing concerns about online safety and the importance of strict enforcement of court orders designed to protect minors from potential harm. Her continued contact with a minor despite explicit warnings underscores the need for vigilance and robust legal measures to prevent such breaches in the future.