Michael Norman Smith

Michael Norman Smith, aged 58, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for a series of sexual offences against a young boy committed over several years on the Isle of Wight. The abuse took place between 1997 and 2003 at Smith's home in Willow Way, Sandown, where he resided at the time.

During the period of the offences, Smith frequently invited children to his address, allowing them to play computer games and taking them on outings such as swimming or visits to the cinema. It was during these interactions that Smith sexually assaulted the victim, who was under the age of 10 when the abuse began. Following the assaults, Smith would give the boy money, sweets, or other food and drink items.

In 2019, Hampshire Constabulary was contacted by a man who reported that he had been sexually abused by Smith during his childhood at the Willow Way address. This disclosure prompted a thorough investigation by the police, leading to Smith being charged with two counts of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child.

Smith initially denied the charges, and the case proceeded to trial at the Isle of Wight Crown Court, commencing on 7 February 2024. However, on 9 February 2024, partway through the trial, Smith changed his plea and admitted to all counts of the abuse. He was remanded in custody following the admissions.

On 8 April 2024, Smith appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court, where he was formally sentenced to six and a half years' imprisonment. The court heard details from jurors about the nature of the offences, highlighting the grooming tactics employed by Smith to perpetrate the abuse.