A man held in a Salford prison has been jailed for 33 years for a two-decade-long campaign of sexual abuse against multiple victims.
Following a trial in August at Manchester Crown Court, Leslie Smith, 70, was convicted of 17 rape offences and 14 indecent assaults and was sentenced at the same court on Monday, 6 January.
He was remanded in custody at HMP Forest Bank, a privately run men’s prison in Pendlebury, ahead of sentencing. Before his arrest, Smith was based in Oldham, where he abused six children, “almost daily for years.”
The court heard that Smith’s “depraved” sustained sexual abuse was aided by his wife, Lynda Smith, who was complicit in his offending and charged with sexual offences but died aged 61 of natural causes before her case was concluded.
Detective Inspector Clare Harrison, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “The strength and courage of the survivors in this case cannot be acknowledged sufficiently.
The scale and severity of the abuse is unimaginable, leaving a lasting impact on those who have heard the evidence. As harrowing as the evidence is to listen to, it represents only a glimpse into the unimaginable and far-reaching consequences endured by the survivors.
“Despite the profound trauma inflicted by this man the survivors have shown immense courage, determination and resilience throughout the investigation and trial.
“Their compelling evidence and powerful testimonies in court were pivotal in ensuring that some measure of justice could be served, ensuring that he will likely serve the rest of his life in prison.
“They have made it unequivocally clear: this marks the final moment that this depraved individual will hold any power over their lives.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the survivors for their extraordinary bravery and unwavering determination throughout this investigation. The strength they have shown in coming forwards against this individual is remarkable.”
