A convicted sex offender from Morecambe who boasted online about raping and abusing a child has been jailed.
Brian David Smith has been convicted following Lancashire Police's joint investigation with the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).
In October 2019, Smith was engaged in an online chat with a man – who unbeknown to the defendant was actually an investigating officer from NEROCU – during which he admitted to sexually abusing a child.
He had further phone conversations with the officer and arranged to meet who he thought would be a 12-year-old girl.
Smith travelled from his home in Morecambe in November 2019 to the pre-arranged location in the North East only to find officers from NEROCU waiting to arrest him.
He was arrested on suspicion of attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence and while under caution said: “I don’t know why I did it. I’ve made a big mistake.”
When he was searched, Smith was found to be in possession of sex toys, sweets and a mobile phone.
Later the same day, officers from our Online Child Abuse Investigation Team searched Smith’s home in Fairhope Avenue, Morecambe, and found indecent images of children and extreme pornographic images on several of his electronic devices.
Our officers managed to track down the victim of Smith’s sexual abuse and she confirmed she was just eight years old when it started. It only stopped after she attempted to take her own life – such was the impact of Smith’s sexual abuse.
He appeared at Preston Crown Court and was jailed for 14 years and sentenced to an extended three year licence period.
Smith, 57, was convicted of rape, indecent assault, arranging or facilitating the commission of a sexual offence and making indecent images of children.
He was also made subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the Sex Offender’s Register for life.
PC Jill Woodley, of Lancashire Police, said: “Smith is a dangerous individual who has a long-standing and sordid sexual interest in young girls. He is a man who presents a very real danger to children, and I welcome the sentence handed down to him.
“I want to praise the victim for her bravery throughout this case and thank her for having faith in us to get justice for her, even though these offences happened several decades ago.”
Detective Inspector Leonard from NEROCU, said: “This is another fantastic result which reinforces our commitment to protecting all children from predators like Smith.
“When sex offenders operate online, they feel hidden, but operations like this demonstrate the resources and tools at our disposal as well as the robust partnership working capable of protecting victims and bringing offenders before the courts.
“Not only has this investigation led to the arrest and conviction of a dangerous sex offender but has enabled the safeguarding and support of a victim.
“We would always encourage anyone with information about this type of offending, or anyone who thinks they have been a victim to come forward and talk to police – you will be supported.”
If you or somebody you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, we would urge you to email forcecontrolroom@lancashire.police.uk or call 101. If a crime is in progress always call 999.
UPDATE: Two men charged with robbery and burglary offences at Morecambe and Lancaster shops
LISTEN: Community garden taking shape in memory of Heysham toddler
Second earthquake in two days hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Morecambe Bay
£2.5m funding boost for Eden Project Morecambe will help create new visitor zone
British Transport Police office returns to Lancaster Railway Station
Ryelands Community Connect scheme aims to bring together locals
Twenty vehicles caught speeding during police crackdown in Lancaster
Councillors call for halt to demolition of vandalised Morecambe 'youth hut'
Coastal pollution clean-up training to be held on Morecambe beach
Man seriously injured at Morecambe pub "making excellent progress" as investigation continues
Vandals target tractors used by King's Guide to Sands of Morecambe Bay to keep walkers safe
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
