James Smith, a paedophile rapist from County Durham, who perpetrated “hideous” sexual abuse against a youngster while intoxicated, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
James Smith left his victim “uncomfortable” in their skin and battling feelings of “disgust” after raping and sexually abusing them. The 43-year-old carried out the abuse when he was drunk and maintained his innocence despite being found guilty by a jury.
On Monday, James Smith, of Spennymoor, appeared at Durham Crown Court via link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for rape, sexual assault of a child, and sexual activity in the presence of a child. He was convicted after a three-day trial on August 2.
Prosecutor Shaun Dodds told the court that James Smith carried out the offences “under the influence of alcohol” as if that was an excuse.
In a statement, James Smith, the victim, who was a child at the time of the offences, said that they only began to “process” what happened to them when they got older. They said they felt “disgust in the pit of my stomach” and “uncomfortable in my skin”. The victim also made attempts to take their own life, the court heard.
Thomas Sherrington, defending, told the court James Smith “still maintains his innocence”. He said: “The offences were completely out of character. He has no previous convictions for sexual matters.”
Mr Sherrington added: “It appears [the offences] were unplanned. There is little personal mitigation as he continues to deny the offences…he does suffer from depression and anxiety.”
Sentencing James Smith, Judge Adams said: “You had chronic alcohol problems at the time, which you were in complete denial about.”
Judge Adams said that James Smith’s alcohol abuse was an aggravating factor in the offences as he “knew what you were doing” and that he acted in a “hideous manner”. He added: “I accept you may have no memory of the offences given the state you were in.”
James Smith was jailed for 12 years and made the subject of a lifetime restraining order. He will also be on the sex offender register for life, and a 20-year sexual harm prevention order was also imposed.
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