In 2019, the Offender Database reported that John Smales, then 74, formerly of Duke of York Avenue, Wakefield, was sentenced to a total of 33 years at Leeds Crown Court. Smales pleaded guilty to eight “horrific” sexual assault offences committed against a child in the 1980s.
The investigation by the Wakefield Child Safeguarding Unit established that the abuse began when the victim was just five years old and continued for a five-year period. The victim came forward in January 2018 after seeing news reports of Smales’ previous convictions, demonstrating “tremendous bravery” in reporting the “vicious” non-recent abuse.
Extensive Criminal History
At the time of his 2019 sentencing, Smales was already serving a 24-year prison term imposed in December 2017. That sentence related to a “depraved” series of sex offences against two other girls spanning three decades—the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The court heard that Smales is a “prolific” serial offender who targeted multiple vulnerable children over several decades.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in West Yorkshire, John Smales was handed the following:
- Custodial Sentence: 25 years in immediate custody.
- Extended Licence: A further eight years of supervision upon his eventual release, totalling a 33-year sentence.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements remain in place for life.
- Concurrent/Consecutive Terms: This sentence was added to his existing 24-year term, ensuring he remains incarcerated for a “significant” period.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Smales is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by West Yorkshire Police. Due to his status as a “dangerous” serial predator with victims spanning multiple generations, his management is under “critical” scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Smales must comply with strict notification requirements. West Yorkshire Police state that they will continue to support any further victims who may choose to come forward. Any attempt to breach the conditions of his extended licence upon his eventual release will result in his immediate return to Leeds Crown Court.
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