A Texas man Anthony Paul Smith has died in custody two years into his 35 years prison sentence after he was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child younger than 14.

The Peoples Gazette learnt that the 48-year-old died at the Hospital Galveston on September 13, three days after he was admitted due to respiratory failure caused by lung cancer.

According to reports, the crime committed by Mr Smith occurred in December 2020 but he was not arrested until June of the following year and was initially charged with sexually assaulting a child younger than six.

However, the deceased entered a plea deal with the prosecutors, which resulted in the charge being reduced to aggravated sexual assault of a child younger than 14.

Mr Smith eventually pleaded guilty to the lower charge and was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment in December 2023. He was subsequently booked into the Texas Department of Criminal Justice custody in February 2024.

Displeased with his sentencing, Mr Smith filed an appeal challenging the judgement but the First Court of Appeals dismissed the case in August 2024, stating that his plea agreement did not allow him to appeal his lower court’s conviction. 

Meanwhile, Mr Smith’s death has sparked celebration on social media, with netizens saying that his passing made the world a better place. 

“Nothing like some good old prison justice dead pedophiles don’t reoffend,” Facebook user Jeff Stockley stated. Camille Lawrence argued in the same vein, stating “Great news I’m going to have a great day today.”

“This is the second one today. I can’t take much more amazing news!!! What an awesome day I am having!!!,” Torry Argiro commented, while GangLord Reacey stated, “Thank God it’s becoming a better place.”

Also, Joanne Medinah Cumberbatch said, “Oh… okay. Wow. Sooooo – what is everyone doing this weekend?.”