Tunbridge Wells magician is mistaken for sex offender
By Kent and Sussex Courier | Monday, October 29, 2012, 08:00
A MAGICIAN from Tunbridge Wells says he fears leaving his home after a case of mistaken identity led to threats and attacks by vandals.
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MISTAKEN IDENTITY: Magician Adam Smith has been threatened and targeted by vandals due to mistaken identity since the Richard Bellars court story broke. His car has also been damaged
Popular magic man Adam Smith, of Wolesley Road, has faced rumours, threats and vandalism since a fellow magician from the town was convicted of sending sexual texts to a teenage girl.
Mr Smith, a father of two who runs a magic shop in High Brooms and has performed for stars including Kate Moss, is worried his family and business will suffer because he is being mistaken for Richard Bellars.
The 40-year-old said it had been "horrible" to have people question him about the texting incident, adding: "I'm worried about my reputation as a magician. Your reputation is everything – it's your business."
It all started last month when well-known TV magician Bellars, 31, was shamed in the Courier after he admitted sending explicit texts and images to a 15-year-old girl he met during a marathon magic show earlier this year.
Since then Mr Smith has been wrongly accused of being the magician involved in the scandal.
He has had bookings cancelled with no explanation, shops and businesses have removed his business cards and the rumour has spread around his ten-year-old son's school.
It all came to a head on Friday, October 12 when his car, which is branded with his details, was targeted by vandals while parked outside a gig in the centre of Tunbridge Wells.
It is estimated the culprits, who gouged the bonnet, doors and panels, caused about £3,000 worth of damage.
Mr Smith, who performed at Kate Moss's wedding last year, has also received threats to his shop, which he opened earlier this year.
"I'm concerned about damage to my property – my house, shop and car.
"And I'm worried about my children," he said.
"I'm very cagey about going out now."
The specialist close-up magician who regularly performs at parties, functions and weddings now gets nervous about going out in the town because people whisper and stare.
He said: "I feel uncomfortable."
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