Terry Smith

Terry Smith, a 40-year-old resident of Scoggins Way in Heckington, Lincolnshire, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the rape of a child under the age of 13. The offence occurred between 2019 and 2021, during which Smith committed a serious sexual assault against the young victim.

Smith appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, 24 October 2025, where a jury unanimously found him guilty following a trial. Despite denying the charge, the evidence presented convinced the court of his culpability. In addition to the custodial sentence, Smith was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring to protect the public.

The case was investigated by Lincolnshire Police, who commended the bravery of the victim and their family. Mhairi Boulton, west hub manager for protecting vulnerable persons at the force, stated: 'Smith committed a vile crime that has no place in our community or our society at large. No child deserves to go through such an ordeal. The wait for justice has been a long one and we’d like to thank the victim and family at the heart of this investigation for their patience, understanding and bravery.' Boulton further noted that while recovery may be challenging, the sentence offers some closure.

This conviction underscores the commitment of Lincolnshire Police and the judicial system to addressing child sex offences with severity. The trial at Lincoln Crown Court highlighted the importance of thorough investigations in securing justice for vulnerable individuals.