Child rapist guilty of ten sex offences

THIS is the smirking face of child rapist Stephen Smith (pictured), whose victims were praised for their “exceptional bravery” after he was convicted of ten grooming and sex offences.

The 44-year-old, who abused two “vulnerable” victims over six years, was found guilty on Tuesday of one count of rape, six of sexual assault and three of non-penetrative sexual assault by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday.

He had claimed his accusers were lying but he was found guilty on all charges.

Investigating officer, Det Con Rachel Morton, said afterwards: “The victims in this case have shown exceptional bravery and have remained composed throughout the trial.

“Without their courage, Smith would not have been brought to justice for the vile abuse he carried out against two vulnerable children.

“His despicable behaviour spanned over six years and I hope that today’s conviction will go some way toward helping the victims and their families to move forward with their lives.”

One of Smith’s victims, who is now 19 and cannot be named for legal reasons, was raped at his home in Creighton Avenue, Rawmarsh, between 2009 and 2011, when she was 13 or 14.

Smith also groped her in his car and, on another occasion, took her to his home and had sex with her after saying he would drop her off at her house.

Another accuser told the court Smith sat next to her on a sofa one Christmas, stroking her legs and back.

His sentencing was adjourned for psychiatric and probation reports to be prepared, after which a date will be set.

Smith was remanded in custody until sentencing.