Colin Smith, a predator from Everton Street, Darwen, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to a series of serious child sex offences. The charges, totaling 11, involve five victims and include meeting a child following grooming, producing and sharing indecent images, and engaging in sexual acts with a child.
Smith was apprehended on August 19, 2020, during a police operation at a hotel in Bury where he was found with two missing teenage girls. The arrest came after a carefully planned sting carried out by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers.
Smith used deceptive tactics online, posing as a teenager and creating multiple social media accounts to lure young victims into a dangerous trust trap. Following his arrest, police seized numerous electronic devices that uncovered additional victims and revealed a collection of indecent images and extreme pornography.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Partington praised the bravery of the victims, stating: “Firstly, I would like to publicly recognise the courage of the two young girls who were staying in the hotel room – they made contact with someone they could trust, which enabled us to safeguard them and, ultimately, secure this prosecution.”
He added, “Smith’s behaviour towards the victims was nothing short of sickening – in some cases, he plied them with alcohol to commit abhorrent and depraved offences. His imprisonment should reassure communities about our commitment to tackling these crimes.”
Constable Carly Baines of GMP’s Sexual Crime Unit commented on the case, saying: “This sentencing is the result of a long, meticulous investigation. Smith’s conduct is deplorable and will not be tolerated. I thank the victims for their resilience and bravery in helping us bring this dangerous and depraved man to justice.”
She expressed hope that the jail term will help the victims heal and move forward with their lives.
Originally published by UKNIP.
