September 2003

War hero abuser spared jail

A veteran of the Normandy landings who admitted sexually abusing young girls has been spared a jail sentence because of his war record.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Thomas Smith, 78, had indecently assaulted stable girls while running a riding school in Almondbury, Huddersfield.

Smith, of Fernside Avenue, Almondbury, pleaded guilty to three specimen charges of indecent assault.

He was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and given a two-year suspended sentence due to his age, frail health and war record.

The court was told that Smith had assaulted girls as young as 11 between 1978 and 1984, rewarding them with free horse rides and gifts.

Judge Roger Scott heard how Smith lost an eye and suffered other severe injuries during the Second World War.

In sentencing he said: “You fought the war valiantly, so you are entitled to draw on your record.