Sex offender Robert Smith sentenced to four years, eight months in jail

Robert Smith of Bentley Avenue in Halifax was yesterday sentenced to four years and eight months in jail after he pleaded guilty at Hull Crown Court to seven counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of making indecent pictures and one count of possession of extreme pornography.

Humberside Police Detective Sergeant Stuart Fox was part of a team of officers that investigated the case and said, ”Robert Smith knew the girl he was meeting was only a 14 year-old child and met her on a number of occasions. His sexual grooming of the young girl developing to full sexual intercourse.

“He lied and deceived his family in Halifax in order to fulfil his sexual desires and he was willing to travel a lengthy distance to Hull to exploit this victim.

“He met his victim in a local hotel, ensuring that this went undetected by hotel staff. We have since worked closely with the hotel to make sure they are more aware of how they can identify vulnerable people.  They have now introduced new procedures and technology to make sure they can help us prevent vulnerable young people being exploited in the future.

“When we analysed Robert Smith’s computer we found images which clearly shows the danger he posed to young children, had he not been caught, I dread to think about how many other victims there might have been.

“The victim in this investigation was, and still is, a vulnerable child. It isn’t yet known the true extent of the effect of what has happened to her and she is being supported by relevant supportive agencies. 

“DC Nicola Gibbs worked with the victim and due to the experience of the officer are very grateful that the victim was able to speak to us about what happened to her. 

“If anyone believes that they have been sexually exploited or if they know anyone that has you can call us in complete confidence. We will listen and we will act.

“The investigation of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) cases are conducted by dedicated detectives such as DC Gibbs who will listen and support victims throughout investigations.  We want to stop what happened to this young girl happening to anyone else.

“You can call us in confidence on our non-emergency number 101.”