A perverted pensioner has brought to justice after more than 50 years
Thomas Smyth was today (Thursday, May 2) jailed for five years at the High Court in Glasgow.
The 85-year-old earlier admitted sexually abusing three young girls between 1965 and 1975 at various addresses in Saltcoats.
Lord Matthews told him: “These were disgusting offences against children who look to you for support and protection.”
Smyth, of Saltcoats, was put on the sex offenders list indefinitely.
The first girl was abused when she was four, then again around the age of nine.
Prosecutor Duncan McPhie said: “She told him she did not like this, but did not tell anyone.”
The second victim was about five and the third girl aged between 10 and 11 when Smyth struck again.
The court heard abused two of the youngsters while giving them a piggy back.
The victims bravely came forward in 2017 and it lead to Smyth being held.
But, the OAP initially insisted: “It did not happen.”
The first offender later pled guilty to three charges of using lewd and libidinous behaviour.
Smyth had earlier failed to show for a court appearance. He claimed to be suffering from ill health at the time.
April 2019
Saltcoats pensioner Thomas Smyth brought to justice after abusing girls
A 85-year-old pervert has finally been brought to justice after more than 50 years.
At the High Court in Glasgow Thomas Smyth from Saltcoats admitted sexually abusing three young girls in the 1960s and 70s.
The offences were committed between May 1965 and August 1975 at various addresses in the town.
Prosecutor Duncan McPhie said: “The first girl was abused when she was aged four and then again when she was eight or nine. She told him she did not like this, but did not tell anyone.”
The second victim was sexually abused by Smyth when she was four or five and his third victim when she was 10 or 11.
The court heard that Smyth gave two othe his young victims a piggy back and while doing this touched their private parts.
The third victim was taken into a bedroom by Smyth and sexually abused.
In court, Smyth pleaded guilty to three charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour.
The court heard that a police investigation was launched in April 2017 when Smyth victims came forward.
When he was arrested he told police: “It didn’t happen.”
First offender Smyth is in custody because he failed to turn up for a court appearance.
Judge Lord Matthews told him: “I am going to require a report before sentencing you.”
Smyth was placed on the sex offenders’ register.
Defence counsel Louise Arrol will make her plea in mitigation when the case calls again next month.
