Sentenced to 27 years in prison for murder of Sarah Crump
David Smith. Picture: Met Police
May 31, 2023
The man tried and convicted of murdering Sarah Crump in 1991 in a trial made possible by changes to the double jeopardy rules now appears likely to die in jail.
Following a hearing at Inner London Crown Court on Friday, 26 May, 66-year-old David Smith was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years.
479 days will be knocked off this sentence for the time he spent on remand when originally accused of the crime, but that still means that he will be in his nineties before he can even be considered for release.
He had been found guilty of Sarah’s murder at her flat in Lady Margaret Road, Southall following the conclusion of a trial at the same court on Wednesday, 24 May.
He had already been given another life sentence for the murder of another woman.
Smith had been found not guilty of murdering the 33-year-old medical secretary and mutilating her body in 1993 but went on to kill 21-year-old Amanda Walker in 1999.
When awaiting trial for this offence, had told another prisoner that he had got away with killing Sarah detailing his victim’s injuries which were strikingly similar to those inflicted on Amanda.
By 2003 changes had been put in place to allow for Smith to be tried again for the 1991 killing. A specialist cold case investigation unit took another look at the case collecting new evidence and it persuaded the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to overturn Smith’s acquittal in 2021 meaning that a new trial could be held.
Sarah Crump. Picture: Met Police
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Reeves said, “Smith’s sentencing today bring to a close a 32-year quest for justice for Sarah’s family. I am delighted that Smith has finally been held to account for this heinous crime; he is a depraved man who will now more than likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.”
In a statement read outside court on behalf of Sarah’s family, they said, “At long last justice for our lovely Sarah. If only our Mum and Dad were here with us today to share this momentous occasion.
“After the disheartening acquittal at the Old Bailey in 1993, our Mum said that David Smith would kill again. Eight years after Sarah’s murder, he was found guilty of an even more savage murder and mutilation of a young woman and mother, which he later admitted.
“Thirty years may have passed but we still miss Sarah - she was a shining light in a murky world who wished for the best but found the worst of humanity.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in this very difficult investigation. Their determination and tenacity has ensured the correct verdict has finally been reached.
“Our thanks extend especially to all the witnesses who came forward at great personal sacrifice.”
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