April 2015
Dealer who lured girls to his home and plied them with drugs during sex parties is jailed
A dealer who lured girls to his home and plied them with drugs during sex parties was jailed for eight years.
Paul Smith, 42, was in bed with two teenage girls when the police raided his home and found a stash of MCat.
Mary Prior, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court that Smith, of Belvoir Road, Coalville, was a “well known” dealer of the class B drug.
He admitted supplying MCat at street level during 2013..
He also pleaded guilty to supplying it to four girls, aged between 14 and 17.
The court heard that Smith had a games room at his house where sexual activity with girls, some below the age of consent, took place.
The court heard the four, who bravely came forward to complain about Smith, despite fearing him, were exploited into taking part in sexual activity.
Judge Nicholas Dean said: “He was eliciting sexual favours from young women when they were off their heads on drugs he supplied, having got them into that state in the first place.”
He told Smith: “You had a reputation for the supply of drugs and alcohol to young girls.
“That was known by word of mouth and through social media to girls and young people.”
“You ensured these young women were not in a state of mind but to comply with your terms for sexual favours from them; each of them vulnerable because of their backgrounds and personal circumstances and you knew that.
“You deliberately exploited your position as a drug dealer to obtain sexual favours and the harm you caused by that behaviour was very substantial.
“The victim personal statements make harrowing reading and the harm you caused is difficult to overstate.
“You’ve even described your own behaviour, in a letter to the court, as despicable.”
Judge Dean said the sexual activity “seriously aggravated” the drugs supply offences.
Mrs Prior said when the officers carried out the raid in January 2014, they found a safe containing 47 grams of cannabis, and just under 60 grams of MCat, along with 73 Viagra tablets, and 14 Valium, with a total street value of £1,329.
She said: “There was CCTV at the property and it’s clear he wasn’t in paid employment.
“As well as selling drugs to male customers he was free and easy with drugs and alcohol for young females at parties he encouraged girls to attend at his property.
“There would be parties, sex games and a seemingly endless supply of drugs.
“Taxis were sent and paid for by this defendant to collect young women and bring them to his address.
“Once disinhibited by drugs they’d be asked for sexual favours, which went on for at least 12 months.”
“The four complainants (aged 14, 15, 16 and 17) all viewed the defendant as a ‘big man’ in the Coalville area and were concerned about speaking out about him.
Judge Dean imposed life-long restraining orders, banning Smith from any future contact with the four girls who made complaints about him and banned him from going to the areas where they live.
He was placed on a 10 criminal banning order (CBO) prohibiting him from being with girls under 18 in a private vehicle, his home or communicating with them via social media.
Detective Constable Gav Collins, who has investigated the incident, said: “Smith took advantage of young girls and plied them with drink and drugs for his own sexual gains.
“These incidents have had a lasting effect on the victims. Smith was aware of the girls’ vulnerability and in spite of this gave them alcohol and drugs.
“All of the victims have shown tremendous courage in coming forward and speaking to the police.
He continued: “We believe there could possibly be more victims of Smith who have not yet come forward and contacted us and I would urge them to do so now, so we can investigate fully and offer appropriate support.
“I would like to reassure anyone that does contact us that their report will be treated with the upmost sensitivity with specialist officers and social workers on hand to support and assist victims.”
The case came to light after concerns were raised by Leicestershire County Council’s social care team over disclosures made by one of the victims.
A Leicestershire County Council spokesperson, said: “The young people in this case have shown tremendous bravery throughout the investigation, and I’d like to commend them for their courage.
“We are committed to listening to young people and taking their experiences seriously, and have supported them and their families throughout.”
