A man, Matthew Smith Sittingbourne Paedophile, who sexually exploited vulnerable youngsters for multiple years, has been sentenced to 23 years in jail.
Matthew Smith’s criminal activities commenced in 2008, during which he proceeded to victimised four individuals throughout the ensuing years.
In 2020, one of his victims revealed their experience to a trustworthy intermediary and subsequently notified the police. Subsequent victims were identified as the inquiry advanced.
Matthew Smith, previously residing in Sittingbourne, was apprehended on 1 March 2020 and subsequently charged with many charges against minors, including rape and sexual assault.
He was additionally charged with sexual communication with a minor when he reached out to another victim online.
Matthew Smith entered a plea of not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was subsequently convicted on 32 counts after a trial.
On Friday, January 24, 2025, Smith, aged 39, received an extended sentence of 31 years. The jail time is 23 years, of which he must serve two-thirds before being eligible for release.
Upon his release, Matthew Smith will be required to serve an additional eight years on license. He will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and sex offender notification requirements indefinitely.
Kent Police’s officer in the case, Detective Constable Robert Hughes, said:
‘Matthew Smith is a truly depraved individual who has targeted young children for his own sexual gratification. Once his offending had come to light, Matthew Smith refused to admit his guilt at court and put the victims through the ordeal of a trial.
‘I would like to thank his victims who have showed incredible courage by coming forward and disclosing the appalling abuse they suffered. They have ensured this criminal is now serving a lengthy prison sentence and can no longer harm any other vulnerable children.’
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