David Smith, 41, has been found guilty of serious sexual offences, including the rape of three boys aged seven, 10, and 11, at the High Court in Livingston on Monday, October 26. His campaign of abuse took place over seven years, between 2013 and 2020.
Police Praise Victims' Courage
Detective Inspector Jennifer Priestley said: "Smith showed a complete disregard for his victims, exploiting them for his own sexual gratification." She acknowledged the strength of the victims who provided information to police in the case, adding: "Smith's conviction is down to them. I hope this sentence brings them and their families some comfort."
Priestley stressed that all reports of sexual abuse are taken seriously, regardless of the passage of time, and urged anyone who has been a victim of abuse to speak to police, saying they will be "listened to, taken seriously and fully supported."
Rise in Reported Sexual Crimes
Statistics released in late August show that the number of rapes and attempted rapes reported in Scotland has risen by almost one third in four years, from 2,455 for the year ending June 2022 to 3,420 for the year up to June 2026 – a 32 per cent rise. In just one year, reports increased 8 per cent.
Sexual crimes overall increased 11 per cent in four years and 9 per cent in the last 12 months, with 16,560 recorded in the year to June. Domestic abuse incidents reported increased 81 per cent in the past four years and 19 per cent in the past 12 months, with 3,264 reports in the year to June.
Justice Secretary Responds
Justice Secretary Neil Gray said "men must change their behaviour." He said: "While Scotland remains a safe place to live and recorded crime has fallen by almost half since its peak in 1991, I am extremely concerned by the rise in sexual crimes and domestic abuse offences recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018."
Gray added that the figures reflect a broader pattern seen across the UK and that it is encouraging that more victims feel able to come forward and report offences, including historical crimes. He said the justice system has taken action to strengthen confidence by introducing legislation and ensuring police, prosecutors, and courts have the powers needed to bring perpetrators to justice.
