Serial rapist jailed for 13 years following trial

Smith was jailed for 13 years for a series of rapes and sexual offences at Lincoln Crown Court

A man has been jailed for 13 years for a series of rapes and sexual offences, including an assault on a child aged under 13.

Steven Smith, 49, who is already a serving a 14-year jail term for other sexual offences, was found guilty of eight charges of rape following a trial.

Lincoln Crown Court was told Smith carried out the offences in the late 1990s after moving from Bedford to Lincolnshire to work as a gas and electricity salesman.

The offences only came to light in 2022 after he was convicted of historic offences against three other victims in the Bedfordshire area.

The jury also convicted Smith of one count of voyeurism.

Passing sentence, Judge James House KC described Smith as a "sexual predator" and said it was clear his behaviour had left a lifetime of emotional scars for his victims.

"You have shown no remorse, no regret, there is no credit for a guilty plea," Judge House told Smith.

"You simply moved locations and found new victims," he added.

The court was told Smith would serve his 13-year sentence consecutive to his current 14-year sentence.

Smith was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life and made the subject of a restraining order which prevents him from contacting his victims, or their children.

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