A 76-YEAR-OLD paedophile has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years after admitting sexually assaulting eight children.

Leonard Smith was sentenced today at Woolwich Crown Court, Thamesmead, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to 17 counts of indecent assault which took place over a 15-year-period.

Toby Fitzgerald, prosecuting, told the court some of the places where the former mechanic abused the youngsters, aged between eight and 14, included homes in Lewisham and Downham and in public toilets at the former North Cray Social Club, Bexley.

Patricia Harding, mitigating, said Smith, who lately lived in a mobile home site in Rochester, was sorry for his actions.

She said: "This sad affair has surfaced after so many years and this has allowed Mr Smith to reflect and he now understands the distress his victims have felt and continue to feel."

Sentencing Smith, Judge Michael Carroll said: "It is clear to me that to differing degrees, the lives of your victims have been blighted by your predatory sexual behaviour before them.

"Even now I am not satisfied you know of the magnitude of what you have done to those young people and their relatives."

Speaking outside court, victim Kevin Smith, 25, who is a grandson of Smith and who has waived his right to anonymity, said: "I hope he rots in his cell.

"At least this brings some closure and I hope to be able to get my life back on track now."

Smith has been placed on the sex offenders' register for life and has been disqualified from ever working with children.

A sexual offences prevention order has also been imposed meaning upon release he is prohibited by law to be in any dwelling with or alone with any child aged under 16.

A remaining eight counts of sexual assault which Smith denied will remain on file.

  • Read our exclusive interview with Kevin Smith - click here