Michael Geoffrey Smith 69

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Michael Geoffrey Smith befriended the parents of one of boys to convince them he could be trusted to be alone with him.

The judge ruled Smith had "caused him grave, permanent and serious psychological harm and impacted greatly on his life", labelling it "sick sexual abuse".

Smith, who previously lived in Freemantle Close, Oakridge, had denied seven charges of sexual abuse relating to incidents in the 1980s, before being convicted by a jury.

Guildford Crown Court had heard how the 66-year-old, who was also convicted for similar offences in the 1970s and 1990s, ran a film club in the early 1980s in his maisonette for children in the estate to attend.

Throughout the rest of the summer holidays, he sexually abused the primary school-age boy multiple times, claiming that he was teaching him about sex.

He said that it was "their secret" and that no one would believe the boy if he told them what had happened.

As a result of all the abuse, one victim admitted he had attempted to take his own life on more than one occasion.

Smith was sentenced to eight years in prison, of which he must serve two thirds. The sentence, which had a starting point of 12 years, was reduced on the grounds of his deteriorating health and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on prisoners.

He was also ordered to pay a total of £3,250 of compensation to the victims, and a £149 victim surcharge.