A SCHOOL caretaker has been jailed for 11 and a half years for historic offences of rape against a girl.

David Smith, 35, a former soldier, was told by the judge at Bradford Crown Court he had taken advantage of the girl.

Smith, of Canford Road, Allerton, Bradford, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of raping the girl in what Recorder Jason Pitter KC labelled ‘an upsetting and depressing case.’

But he denied the offences when questioned by the police and pleaded guilty only on the day of his trial.

In her Victim Personal Statement, said she had pushed a lot of people away over the years.

She could not stand to be alone and did not feel safe, even in her own home.

Richard Orme said in mitigation that letters had been sent to the court from relatives of Smith. Although he had pleaded guilty ‘at the 11th hour’ he felt horrible about what he had done and knew he must ‘pay the price.’ 

Smith had seen active service in the Army in Germany, Cyprus, Kenya and Afghanistan before he was honourably discharged.

He was working as a school caretaker and had no previous convictions.

Recorder Pitter commended the woman for her bravery and fortitude in going to the police and supporting the prosecution.

She had been left devastated by Smith’s actions. 

Recorder Pitter made a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered Smith to sign on the sex offender register, both without limit of time.