Controversy
In 1998, he contributed to the defence in a court case where the accused was the Rev. Michael Golightly on a charge of attempted murder against his wife Enid. Enid was subjected to an attack with a hammer to the side of her head whilst asleep, and was left for some hours by Golightly with a severe brain injury. There was no evidence of forced entry and Golightly did not call an ambulance until late in the afternoon.
Before the trial, Bishop Smithson had succeeded in getting bail for the accused, who stayed with monks at Lindisfarne. During the trial he stated that the accused was an upstanding clergyman and it was not in his nature to carry out such an act; his submission was opposed by Enid Golightly's family. The victim refused to give evidence for the prosecution. Michael Golightly was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
After the trial, Enid Golightly lived in Durham, disabled and in poverty, until Michael was released. Re-united, they subsequently moved to the Hull area.
Read more about this topic: Alan Smithson
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