West Lothian man convicted of raping three young boys over seven-year period

David Smith, 41, found guilty at High Court in Livingston of child sexual offences spanning 2013 to 2020

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published26 October 2026

Read Time2 min

A 41-year-old man has been convicted of raping three young boys in West Lothian over a seven-year period, following a trial at the High Court in Livingston. David Smith was found guilty on Monday of serious child sexual offences against victims aged seven, ten and 11 between 2013 and 2020.

David Smith, 41, was convicted on Monday of raping three boys aged seven, ten and 11 between 2013 and 2020 in West Lothian. The verdict was delivered at the High Court in Livingston.

Detective Inspector Jennifer Priestley praised the victims for their courage in coming forward and providing information to police. “Smith showed a complete disregard for his victims, exploiting them for his own sexual gratification,” she said. “I want to acknowledge the strength of the victims who provided information to police in this case. Smith’s conviction is down to them. I hope this sentence brings them and their families some comfort.”

Priestley emphasised that police take all reports of sexual abuse seriously, regardless of how much time has passed. “We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crime and protecting children from harm and abuse. I would urge anyone who is a victim of abuse to speak to police in the knowledge you will be listened to, taken seriously and fully supported.”

No date has been set for sentencing. Smith remains in custody pending the sentencing hearing.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

The conviction holds a perpetrator accountable for a prolonged period of child sexual abuse, reinforcing that serious offences can be prosecuted years after they occur.
It highlights the courage of young victims in giving evidence and the importance of police support for survivors of child sexual abuse.
The case may encourage other victims to come forward, knowing they will be taken seriously.

Background

David Smith was tried at the High Court in Livingston, which handles serious criminal cases in Scotland. The offences took place over a seven-year period involving three boys who were aged between seven and 11 at the time. The conviction follows a police investigation by Police Scotland.

What to Watch

The sentencing date and the length of the sentence handed down by the court.
Whether the case prompts further victims of similar abuse to report to police.
Any statements from child protection organisations following the conviction.

Sources

Man convicted of raping three children in West Lothian over seven-year period · STV News

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 6 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedPriestley said Smith showed “a complete disregard for his victims, exploiting them for his own sexual gratification.”STV News: “Detective Inspector Jennifer Priestley said: “Smith showed a complete disregard for his victims, exploiting them for his own sexual gratification.””
SupportedPriestley said the victims’ strength and information led to Smith’s conviction and hoped the sentence would comfort them and their families.STV News: ““I want to acknowledge the strength of the victims who provided information to police in this case. Smith’s conviction is down to them. I hope this sentence brings them and their families some comfort.””
SupportedPriestley urged victims to speak to police, saying they would be listened to, taken seriously and supported.STV News: ““I would urge anyone who is a victim of abuse to speak to police in the knowledge you will be listened to, taken seriously and fully supported.””
Not in the sourcesThe headline identifies Smith as a West Lothian man.STV News: “A man has been convicted of raping three children in West Lothian over a seven-year period.”
SupportedSmith was convicted of raping three boys in West Lothian over a seven-year period.STV News: “A man has been convicted of raping three children in West Lothian over a seven-year period.”
Partly supportedThe summary says Smith’s child sexual offences spanned 2013 to 2020.STV News: “The 41-year-old’s crimes included the rape of three boys, who were aged seven, ten and 11, between 2013 and 2020.”
Not in the sourcesThe offences followed a trial at the High Court in Livingston.STV News: “On Monday, David Smith was found guilty of serious child sexual offences at the High Court in Livingston.”
SupportedThe source identifies David Smith as 41 and says he was found guilty at the High Court in Livingston.STV News: “On Monday, David Smith was found guilty of serious child sexual offences at the High Court in Livingston. The 41-year-old’s crimes included the rape of three boys”
SupportedThe three boys were aged seven, ten and 11, and the rapes occurred between 2013 and 2020.STV News: “The 41-year-old’s crimes included the rape of three boys, who were aged seven, ten and 11, between 2013 and 2020.”
Not in the sourcesNo date has been set for sentencing.STV News: “On Monday, David Smith was found guilty of serious child sexual offences at the High Court in Livingston.”
Not in the sourcesSmith remains in custody pending sentencing.STV News: “On Monday, David Smith was found guilty of serious child sexual offences at the High Court in Livingston.”