SHOCKING CRIME IN FRODSHAM: STEVEN SMITH'S HORRIFIC SEX OFFENSES AND PET ABUSE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Frodsham, Steven Smith, a 40-year-old man, was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses that included disturbing acts involving animals, minors, and public indecency. The proceedings took place at Chester Crown Court, where Smith faced the consequences of his actions following a detailed investigation into his criminal behavior.

On Monday, April 24, the court heard that Smith had previously admitted to a total of 18 sex-related offenses. These crimes ranged from the distribution of indecent images to the filming of himself performing sexual acts in various locations, including his workplace at a Suzuki car dealership in Crewe. The severity of his offenses was underscored by the presence of extreme pornographic material, including a shocking ten-second video depicting him engaging in sexual intercourse with his pet dog, along with 55 images and videos of the same nature involving the dog.

Police, acting on intelligence, visited Smith’s residence in Frodsham on May 25, 2021. During the search, they seized multiple devices, including his iPhone, which contained a disturbing collection of illicit material. Among the content were images and videos of a 15-year-old girl, including one indecent video shared via WhatsApp, as well as photographs of naked minors. The device also held 29 videos of Smith performing solo sex acts, with footage captured in various public and private settings, such as a busy lay-by, a Tesco car park, and his own living room, where he was seen standing naked at his window.

Further investigation revealed that some of these videos were filmed at his place of employment. Management staff at the dealership confirmed the locations depicted in the videos, leading to Smith’s resignation from his position. The police also uncovered videos involving sexual acts with a high-heel shoe and a chair, filmed at his workplace, which added to the gravity of his offenses.

During police interviews, Smith initially denied redistributing the indecent video of the minor girl and claimed that some of the material might have been uploaded by others. However, he later retracted this statement. It was also revealed that Smith had a prior conviction from 2013 for outraging public decency.

Judge Steven Everett described Smith’s conduct as “truly disgusting and truly depraved,” emphasizing the shock that such acts could occur without witnesses. The judge expressed particular horror at the fact that Smith recorded himself performing these acts, which he found difficult to comprehend. The judge highlighted the public’s likely horror upon learning that Smith engaged in sex acts with his own pet dog and committed acts of public indecency.

In sentencing, Smith received a total of 22 months in prison, which was suspended for two years. The breakdown of the sentence included 12 months for exposure and outraging public decency, eight months for distributing indecent images and videos, and an additional two months for the act involving his dog. As part of his sentence, Smith is required to undertake up to 20 days of rehabilitation activities and participate in the Horizon sex offenders programme. Furthermore, he is subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order that restricts his internet use and mandates registration as a sex offender for the same period. The court also ordered the confiscation and deprivation of his iPhone.

Judge Everett issued a stern warning to Smith, stating, “If you breach any of these orders, you will face immediate imprisonment.” The case has left the community of Frodsham and beyond deeply disturbed by the extent of Smith’s depravity and the nature of his crimes.