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Barnsley man jailed for 18 years for rape and sexual assault

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Latest news in Yorkshire: October 05, 2018 11:18:27 AM

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A Barnsley man has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of 10
counts of rape against two women.

Robert Smith, 56, of Hope Avenue, Goldthorpe was also found guilty of a
further two counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault occasioning
actual bodily harm for offences carried out between 2006 to 2014.

Smith threatened to kick one of the victims, who was pregnant at the time,
in the stomach if she did not do as he said.

He was sentenced yesterday (Thursday 27 September) at Sheffield Crown Court
to 18 years in prison for the offences which happened in the Thurnscoe area
of Barnsley.

Leading the investigation DC Jill Rankin said: “This has been a difficult
and complicated investigation especially for the victims who were subjected
to violent and horrific attacks over a prolonged period of time.

“I would like to praise both victims for their bravery in coming forward and
giving evidence against this man.

“They have now received some justice for what they were put through and I
really hope this sentence goes some way toward allowing them to move on with
their lives”.

A police investigation was launched in October 2014, after one of the
victims told her support worker that Smith had sexually assaulted her on a
number of occasions.

She told her that Smith would get angry and start swearing at her if she did
not do what he wanted.

Smith was arrested immediately and the investigation led detectives to
interview a second victim.

She told police that Smith had been physically and sexually abusive towards
her. On one occasion he put his hands around her throat and assaulted her
while she was unconscious.

“The abuse these women suffered at the hands of Smith is absolutely
despicable,” added DC Rankin.

“Absolutely no-one should have to go through this level of abuse and South
Yorkshire Police will continue to do everything we can to protect vulnerable
people and bring those breaking the law to justice.

“If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse in any form please do
contact us on 101 and our specially trained officers will help you.”

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