A Teenager’s Dangerous Encounter with a Predator

Grooming and Manipulation: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

The case of Billy Henry Smith and the young teen he targeted is a harrowing reminder of the dangers of exploitation and manipulation. Each day millions of people connect through phones, apps, and social media, thinking they’re safe. But for one teenager, a simple conversation turned into a nightmare when Smith, a convicted offender, started messaging her. He portrayed himself as someone trustworthy, someone the teenager could talk to, someone she could trust. But behind the friendly facade, Smith had sinister intentions.

He began by trying to build her trust, sending her messages that seemed harmless but were laced with manipulative tactics. He made plans to meet up, but when the teenager hesitated and tried to make excuses, Smith acted understanding. He sent her a message saying, “Ok sweet as. I’ll delete your number k. Sorry man..bye,” pretending to respect her boundaries. But when she agreed to meet the next day, Smith revealed his true intentions. He sent explicit messages detailing how he would climb through her window at night, perform a sexual act, and leave unnoticed. He even instructed her to leave her backyard door open so he could meet her there. These were not just fantasies; they were a clear indication of his predatory behavior.

The Crime and Its Aftermath

The next day, the teenager and Smith met in a public place. As they walked to a public toilet block, Smith made sure to coach her on what to say if they encountered the police. "If the cops ask, I’m your neighbor, OK," he told her. Once inside the toilet block, Smith offered her something to smoke. He assured her, "It’s not going to hurt you, it will just make you, like, more awake or relaxed." The facts state that methylamphetamine was later found in her system, showing how he used drugs to lower her defenses.

What happened next was a horror no one should ever experience. Smith, armed with his mobile phone, forced the teenager to perform sexual acts. The facts reveal that he filmed the entire act without her consent. When she later asked for the video, Smith agreed to send it to her via Telegram, a messaging app. But for the teenager, this was just the beginning of her nightmare. Traumatized by what had happened, she confided in her mother, friends, and a teacher, though she struggled to share details. Eventually, with the support of her mother, she found the strength to go to the police.

The Predator’s Downfall

When the police went to arrest Smith that afternoon, they found him in his home. He was caught off guard, jumping up from bed without pants on. As the officers entered, a phone fell to the ground, playing a pornographic video. Smith, realizing his time was up, tried to destroy the evidence. He stomped on the phone, cracking the screen. But it was too late. The phone was the same one he had used to message his victim, and police were able to recover the evidence they needed.

Police seized multiple devices from Smith’s home, uncovering a disturbing collection of nearly 100 videos of child abuse material, some involving children as young as three. They also found methylamphetamine in his possession. Smith had a history of such crimes; he had been on the Child Protection Register since 2022 after being convicted of possessing child abuse material. Now, he faced even more serious charges, including sexual intercourse with a minor, procuring a child for unlawful sexual activity, and failing to comply with the conditions of his registration by not disclosing his Telegram username to police.

Justice and Accountability

Smith eventually pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of having sexual intercourse with a child aged between 14 and 16, procuring a child for unlawful sexual activity, and possessing child abuse material. When he returns to court for sentencing in May, the judge will also consider additional offenses, including producing and disseminating child abuse material and possessing a prohibited drug. Smith remains in custody as he awaits his sentencing, unable to harm anyone else for the time being. But for the teenager he exploited, the scars of his actions will linger.

Support and Resources for Victims

The teenager’s story is a tragic reminder of how vulnerable young people can be exploited by predators who hide in plain sight. The key to preventing such crimes is education, awareness, and support. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, there are resources available to help. You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. These services provide confidential support and can help you take the first steps toward healing and justice.

The story of Billy Henry Smith and his young victim is a sobering reminder of the dangers of the world we live in. But it’s also a testament to the resilience of survivors who find the courage to come forward. While the road to justice is long and difficult, it’s important to remember that healing is possible, and help is just a phone call away.