Pensioner jailed for historic sex offences in Portsmouth

Londoner David Smith was sent to prison at Portsmouth Crown Court for offences involving a teenage boy in the Cosham area in 1980 and 1981.

Smith, of Hermitage Walk, Walthamstow, was sentenced to two years in prison and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register.

He pleaded guilty to one count of gross indecency with a child under 14 and five counts of indecent assault.

Investigating officer DC Nicola Rose said: “Smith’s victim was a young teenager when these three offences happened at different addresses in the Cosham area. Smith showed his victim pornographic material.

“Smith was seen as a trusted and responsible member of the local community, who used this to his advantage. I’m pleased that the court has shown how seriously it takes these offences, which is reflected by the sentence imposed.

“Smith’s actions have significantly impacted his victim throughout his life; he has shown great courage in coming forward to seek justice. I hope that this sentence helps in some ways to come to terms with what has happened.

“I’d urge anyone else who may have suffered similar treatment and who may have information now that these offences have come to light to contact us by calling 101”.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind the public of our standing advice that any incident of rape or sexual assault should be reported to the police.

‘Hampshire Constabulary has trained officers to respond to any report of rape or serious sexual assault. A Specially Trained Officer (STO) will be assigned to a victim. The officer will support you from the point of report through to the conclusion of the case

‘If you need an emergency police response, call Hampshire Constabulary on 999. If you want to talk to us about a historic rape or sexual assault call 101.’

The spokesman said victims who feel unable to report an assault to the police can still seek help by contacting Treetops, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 023 9221 0352 or visit www.solent.nhs.uk/treetops