Man jailed for rape and sexually abusing girl under 13-years-old as victim praised for 'strength and bravery'

Kieran Smith, aged 22, of Highfield Avenue in Grimsby, was found guilty following a trial at Leeds Crown Court of rape of a girl under 13, assault of a girl under 13 by penetration and causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Smith lived in Castleford at the time of the offences, which happened between 2022 and 2024 and were committed against one victim.

He appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday (Thursday) where he was sentenced to nine years imprisonment with an extended licence period of one year. He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which puts restrictions on him having unsupervised contact, either directly or indirectly, with any child under the age of 18 on his release from prison.

‘It will never be enough’

In a statement provided to the court, the victim’s family said: “As a family, we want to express our deep pride in our brave young girl for coming forward to protect others.

“It's important to acknowledge the impact of your actions and how they have affected her life. We are relieved knowing that you will no longer be in a position to harm children again. However, there is also a concern about the possibility of your release in the future and the potential risk it may pose. We hope that measures will be taken to ensure the safety of others will always remain.

“We want to take this time to remind people that no matter how much you think you know someone they should never have your full trust. We live in a world where ‘it will never happen to us’, but it did, and he has ruined our poor girl's childhood memories. Although he has got a prison sentence, we feel it will never be enough for what he has done, however it brings us some sort of comfort knowing this is now public knowledge and are aware of what he is.

“We would also like to tell others if you are in this situation and you are brave enough to speak out about it, please find the help and support you could need.”

‘Strength and bravery’ from victim

Detective Constable Sally Hayward, of Wakefield Child Safeguarding Unit, said: “These offences were reported to the police only seven months ago. Despite the complexities of the investigation with the additional considerations that are needed with such a young victim, we have been able to gather evidence to ensure that Smith has been swiftly convicted and sentenced for these awful offences.

“I do not underestimate how difficult the victim and family will have found this process, but they have been supported throughout by specially trained officers and ultimately their strength and bravery have ensured justice has been served. I hope that the conclusion of this court case and the jail term that Smith has been given provides them with some closure, at least on this chapter, as they continue to process and move forward with their lives.

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of any sexual offence, or anyone who has concerns for someone else, to please come forward. You will be listened to, supported and also be referred to further help and support if needed. We will do all we can to secure justice for any victim.”