A Sittingbourne man who sexually abused vulnerable children over several years has received 23 years’ imprisonment. Matthew Smith’s offending started in 2008 and he went on to target four victims over subsequent years.
In 2020, one of his victims disclosed their ordeal to a trusted third party and then contacted the police. Further victims were later identified as the investigation progressed.
Smith, formerly of Sittingbourne, was arrested on 1 March 2020, and was later charged with multiple offences against children including rape and sexual touching. He was also charged with sexual communication with a child after he contacted another victim online.
Smith pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was convicted of 32 indictments following a trial. On Friday 24 January 2025, Smith, aged 39, was given an extended sentence of 31 years. This has a custodial period of 23 years of which he will have to serve two thirds before he is eligible for parole. On his release, Smith, will have to serve a further eight years on licence. He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and sex offender notification requirements indefinitely.
Kent Police’s officer in the case, Detective Constable Robert Hughes, said: ‘Smith is a truly depraved individual who has targeted young children for his own sexual gratification. Once his offending had come to light, Smith refused to admit his guilt at court and put the victims through the ordeal of a trial.
‘I would like to thank his victims who have showed incredible courage by coming forward and disclosing the appalling abuse they suffered. They have ensured this criminal is now serving a lengthy prison sentence and can no longer harm any other vulnerable children.’
