Man sentenced for indecent assault of a boy – Oxfordshire

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police a man has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court today (5/11).

Maurice Smith, aged 58, of Pinnocks Way, Botley, was sentenced after he was convicted of two counts of indecent assault against a boy.

He has been made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and will have to sign the sex offenders’ register.

He was convicted by a unanimous jury following a seven day trial at the same court, which concluded on 5 October 2021.

Smith was convicted in connection with the assault of a teenage boy.

An investigation was launched in 2018, after officers received a report from the victim. Smith was charged on 12 February 2019.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Karen Zoldan, of Thames Valley Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “The victim in this case bravely came forward to report the abuse he suffered as a child.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his courage and support of this investigation.   

“He had to endure giving evidence in court which caused extra distress.  I now hope that the healing process can begin and this conviction will provide some form of closure for him.   

“Thames Valley Police takes reports of this nature extremely seriously and we will always thoroughly investigate no matter the time that has passed since the offence.”

“If you have been a victim of sexual abuse please report it to Thames Valley Police on 101”.

There is further information for the public about child abuse on our website.

GFL