Richard Smith

Richard Smith, a 34-year-old man from Wigan, appeared before a judge at Bolton Crown Court on November 15, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to serious sexual offences against a child.

The charges stemmed from incidents between August 5 and 8, 2025, in London, during which Smith facilitated a sexual offence against a child under 13, specifically arranging the rape of the child. In the process, he also admitted to breaching a sexual harm prevention order, which had been imposed to restrict his interactions that could lead to further harm.

Following his guilty pleas, Smith was remanded into custody by the court. Sentencing is scheduled for December 22, 2025, at Bolton Crown Court. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat child sexual exploitation, with Smith's actions described in court proceedings as particularly vile.

According to reports from Wigan Today, published on November 15, 2025, the admission of guilt came during a hearing presided over by a Bolton Crown Court judge. No further details on the specifics of the arrangement or the victim were disclosed in open court to protect the child's identity, in line with standard legal protections for minors in the UK.

• Offence: Arranging the rape of a child under 13
• Additional charge: Breach of sexual harm prevention order
• Location of offence: London
• Court: Bolton Crown Court