Sheffield man jailed after raping and grooming teenage girl

A Sheffield man with ‘no remorse’ has been jailed for 14 years after raping a ‘vulnerable’ teenage girl, during a period of horrific abuse which nearly led to her suicide.

Stephen Smith, 63, of Foxhill, groomed his victim, a teenage girl who cannot be named for legal reasons, over a two-year period before he brutally raped her in June 2021.

Detective Constable Stuart Gibbons said: “The consequences are unimaginable. He has destroyed an innocent young girl’s life as well as a family.

“As part of Smith’s grooming, he plied the victim – a young, vulnerable girl – with alcohol and made lewd suggestions. Such was the impact of this prolonged exploitation that the victim sadly tried to commit suicide by taking an overdose of tablets.

“This campaign of abuse culminated in Smith raping the victim. At this point, the victim courageously sought help from a relative who reported the abuse to police.”

Smith was heavily intoxicated when arrested, and showed ‘no remorse’ in subsequent interviews with officers. 

He pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and assault by penetration, but denied rape.

During a four-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court, the jury heard the full extent of Smith’s offending and he was found guilty of rape.

DC Gibbons said: “I wish to applaud the victim for the courage she has shown coming forward and throughout this process.

“This was a dreadful crime with horrific effects. Smith preyed on a vulnerable teenager and subjected her to a disgusting ordeal just to satisfy his perversions.

“Then, as he refused to admit raping her, she had to recount the horrific abuse she experienced before a jury. I am pleased that Smith has been convicted and is now behind bars for his appalling actions. I hope the victim can take some closure in knowing her bravery has resulted in justice being served.”

Smith will be ineligible to apply for parole until he has served a minimum of nine years. Upon his release he will be on the sex offender register for life and have a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) in place to not associate with anyone under the age of 16.