April 2023

School caretaker from Bradford jailed for raping girl

A school caretaker and former soldier who repeatedly raped a young girl over a six-year period has been sentenced to eleven and a half years. 

Former soldier David Smith, 35, first attacked the girl when she was just 10 and went on to rape her after he groomed and took advantage of her

Smith, of Canford Road, Allerton, Bradford, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of raping the girl in what Recorder Jason Pitter KC labelled ‘an upsetting and depressing case.’

But he denied the offences when questioned by the police and pleaded guilty only on the day of his trial.

In her Victim Personal Statement, said she had pushed a lot of people away over the years.

She could not stand to be alone and did not feel safe, even in her own home.

Richard Orme said in mitigation that letters had been sent to the court from relatives of Smith. Although he had pleaded guilty ‘at the 11th hour’ he felt horrible about what he had done and knew he must ‘pay the price.’

Smith had seen active service in the Army in Germany, Cyprus, Kenya and Afghanistan before he was honourably discharged.

He was working as a school caretaker and had no previous convictions.

Recorder Pitter commended the victim for her bravery and fortitude in going to the police and supporting the prosecution.

She had been left devastated by Smith’s actions.

Recorder Pitter made a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered Smith to sign on the sex offender register, both without limit of time.