Wolverhampton child rapist Joseph Smith has been jailed for 24 years
A Wolverhampton rapist has been jailed for more than two decades after subjecting two young girls to years of horrific sexual abuse which has left them physically and psychologically traumatised.
Joseph Smith used his position of trust to prey on the girls from a young age until his arrest in June 2019, say police.
The 37-year-old sexual predator, who was living in Wolverhampton, began his “abuse of the first girl by sexual touching, before raping her” said a police spokesperson.
The disturbing crimes continued for several years until the poor victim reported what was happening to her.
When detectives from the Public Protection Unit began looking into the horrific crimes, it emerged that Smith had also abused a second girl by sexually assaulting her.
Police officers praised the young victims for their immense courage in coming forward to report their shocking ordeal.
Smith, lacking any remorse whatsoever, denied the charges and forced both survivors to endure a two week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court which ended on 24 November 2021 when the jury found him guilty of nine counts of sexual assault and nine counts of rape.
On 13 January the rapist was sentenced to 24 years in prison and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Constable Kerry Bromhall, said: “Smith subjected the girls to years of physical abuse, not to mention the psychological torment that such abuse often leaves behind.
“I commend these young girls for their bravery, firstly in coming forward to report what happened to them, but also in continually reliving their experience through a lengthy investigation, hampered by Covid, and giving evidence at trial.
“I truly hope this sentence gives them the closure they need and the knowledge that Smith is no longer able to do this to anyone else.”
A police spokesperson added that anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, regardless how long ago the crime took place, specialist officers are on hand to listen and offer assistance.
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