A serial Hull Paedophile sex offender, Kevin Smith, who preyed upon a vulnerable youngster in a “campaign of rapes” that had a “corrosive and exploitative” impact on the victim has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Deviant recluse Kevin Smith manipulated the youngster with “highly sexualised” communications that had a “tragically sad” impact on him during the “disgraceful and despicable” torture.
The kid was left “devastated and distressed” by the events and was “feeling sick and horrible” regarding his prolonged suffering, as fallen in Hull Crown Court.
Kevin Smith, 35, of Stornoway Square, Hull, confessed to seven counts of child rape involving a victim under the age of 13 and two counts of producing indecent photos of minors, committed between March 2019 and March 2020.
Charlotte Baines, for the prosecution, stated that Kevin Smith preyed upon the kid during a sequence of sexual encounters and transmitted explicit communications to him. The mistreatment profoundly distressed the victim. The youngster instructed Smith to refrain from contacting him; yet, the events persisted after Smith engaged in “grooming behaviour,” which included purchasing sweets and treats for the boy. The authorities were subsequently summoned.
Kevin Smith was found with 13 indecent images of children on a computer drive and two on a phone.
David Godfrey, mitigating, said that Kevin Smith had not challenged any of the boy’s claims. “There are multiple offences here,” said Mr Godfrey. “There are messages here that are damning. He has not made this boy come to court and go through the difficulty of having to be cross-examined.”
Kevin Smith had given out the “overriding message” that he felt “shame, regret and remorse” for his actions. “There is no reason for what he has done,” said Mr Godfrey. “It’s a disgraceful and despicable thing.”
During his life, Kevin Smith had not really had any friends or relationships. He spent most of his time in his bedroom on computers and lacked social skills.
Recorder Peter Makepeace KC said: “This is a campaign of rapes.” There had been “highly sexualised” messages from Kevin Smith to the boy and Smith encouraged and caused him to watch sexual acts. “You bribed him with offers of gifts,” said Recorder Makepeace.
The abuse had a “pernicious, corrosive and exploitative” effect on the boy, who became “corrupted” because of Kevin Smith’s behaviour. “That sort of pressure by you can be extremely damaging,” said Recorder Makepeace.
The boy had been left “devastated and distressed” and this was “tragically sad”. The victim was left “feeling sick and horrible” because of Kevin Smith’s actions, which were “exploiting his vulnerabilities and naivety” and demonstrated how deep the damage caused was.
“There was the clearest possible grooming behaviour,” said Recorder Makepeace. “You have spared him from having to give evidence.”
Kevin Smith will have to register as a sex offender for life.
After the hearing, Detective Sergeant Kevin Fenwick-Denton, who led the investigation for Humberside Police, said: “I’d like to commend the bravery and the courage of the victim and their family throughout the entirety of the investigation and court proceedings.
“I hope the outcome will provide them with some comfort in knowing that, by having the courage and strength to come forward, they have undoubtedly prevented others from sufferings at the hands of this sexual deviant.
“I would like to provide reassurance to anyone who may have suffered sexual abuse to come forward. We will listen to you and support you.
“I would strongly appeal for anybody who believes they are being manipulated into doing something they don’t want to do, to speak with an adult or friend and report it to us.
“I would encourage anyone to speak to us, partner agencies or the independent anonymous charity Crimestoppers, when they’re ready, whether they decide to pursue it through the justice system or not. You will be believed and we will thoroughly investigate your report.
“We are committed to making our streets safer by preventing these types of crimes, investigating reported offences and pursuing perpetrators and bringing them to justice.”
The police added: “If you have been the victim of rape or sexual assault, there are various ways you can report it to the police. You can speak to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously or you can report it directly through the 101 number or 999 in an emergency.
“Call 101 to report and incident or 999 in an emergency.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.