Press release: Increased sentences for 2 Nottingham child sex offenders

Two men, convicted of serious sexual offences against children, have had their jail terms increased by the Court of Appeal.

Derrick Dobson, 80 and John Smith, 71 were sentenced in August at Nottingham Crown Court. Dobson was convicted on 5 counts of indecent assault and was originally given a 6 month jail sentence. Smith, pleaded guilty to committing sexual assaults including rape, and was given a 5 ½ year prison sentence.

The 2 offenders were also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and will be prevented from working with vulnerable groups, including children.

The Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP welcomed the extension of these sentences from 6 months to 4 years 6 months for Dobson and 12 years instead of the original sentence of 5 ½ years for Smith.

Speaking after the hearing the Solicitor General said:

“I am pleased the Court of Appeal has recognised that the original sentences handed down were unduly lenient. The 2 offenders attacked their victims over a number of years and this abuse led to long-lasting devastating impacts. The increased jail terms now really reflect the severity of the offences.”