Kevin Smith 36

Description

A serial sex offender who targeted a vulnerable boy for a "campaign of rapes" that had a "corrosive and exploitative" effect upon the victim has been jailed for 12 years.

Perverted loner Kevin Smith groomed the boy with "highly sexualised" messages that had a "tragically sad" effect upon him during the "disgraceful and despicable" abuse.

The boy had been left "devastated and distressed" by what happened and was "feeling sick and horrible" about his long-running ordeal, Hull Crown Court heard.

Smith, 35, of Stornoway Square, Hull, admitted seven offences of rape of a child under 13 and two of making indecent images of children, between March 2019 and March 2020.

Charlotte Baines, prosecuting, said that Smith targeted the boy during a series of sexual incidents and sent sexualised messages to him. The abuse had left the victim very upset. The boy told Smith to leave him alone but the incidents continued after Smith used "grooming behaviour" including buying the boy sweets and treats. The police were later called in.

Smith was found with 13 indecent images of children on a computer drive and two on a phone.

David Godfrey, mitigating, said that 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."

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, 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 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 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 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."

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."