Robert Henry Smith

Robert Henry Smith, a resident of Scarborough, was convicted and sentenced in 2006 for a series of heinous sexual offences against children spanning several decades. At York Crown Court, Smith admitted to 42 counts of sex offences, including the rape of children, which occurred between 1954 and 1984. The offences took place in various locations around Scarborough, notably including a filleting shed on Scarborough harbour where Smith had worked.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Paul Hoffman described the case as the worst of its kind he had encountered in nearly 42 years of criminal practice. He stated: 'This is the worst case of its type I have ever encountered in nearly 42 years of criminal practice. It stands apart in scale and sheer wickedness and callous disregard for victims' feelings. It is a case of prolonged and insatiable depravity.' The judge further noted that there was no comparable case in the legal reference book Thomas's Sentencing Encyclopaedia, adding that if Smith died in jail, it would be no more than he deserved. Prosecuting barrister David Brooke highlighted the profound impact on the victims, explaining that all 21 affected children were 'absolutely terrified' of Smith, with many developing nervous personalities, including stammers and stutters, and one suffering a nervous breakdown.

Smith confessed to a probation officer about additional sexual offences beyond the 42 charges. Despite the severity of his crimes, the article reports that Smith is set for early release before Christmas 2016, prompting outrage among victims who were informed abruptly by Victim Support Leeds. The Ministry of Justice confirmed the release to approved premises in Leeds, where he will be escorted by police and subjected to stringent licence conditions, including wearing a GPS tag and signing the sex offenders register. A Ministry of Justice spokesman emphasised: 'Public protection is our priority. Sex offenders on licence are subject to a strict set of conditions, which may include preventing them from contacting their victims and banning them from entering certain areas, as well as being subject to the sex offenders register. If they fail to comply with these conditions they can be returned to prison.'

The case, reported by The Scarborough News on 21 December 2016, underscores the long-term consequences of historical child sex offences and the challenges in managing parole for high-risk offenders. Victims had been notified of previous parole considerations but received no prior warning for this approval.