Oxford News
Oxford – ‘Incredible bravery’ of four victims of sex offender praised
Shaun Smith, of Bernwood Road, Headington, was jailed for 18 years at Oxford Crown Court on April 29.
The 47-year-old had pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration.
The rape was alleged to have been committed in the year 2000 and the sexual assault in 2012.
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The two charges of assault by penetration were alleged to have been committed in March 2017 and August 2022.
On Wednesday, April 1, a jury found Smith guilty of the first, second and fourth counts by a majority verdict.
He was found guilty of the third count by a unanimous verdict.
The court heard Smith was assessed as posing a high risk to women over the age of 17.
It was also heard he continues to deny the offences he was committed of.
Judge Ian Pringle KC handed Smith an extended sentence of 18 years and a restraining order against all four women until further order.
The women, who all attended the sentencing, broke down in tears as the length of the sentence was given.
After the hearing, Investigating officer detective sergeant Chris Bennett, of Oxfordshire’s Criminal Investigation Department, said: “I would like to commend the incredible bravery of the women involved in this case.
“Without their determination, courage and support we may never have known about Smith’s offending and it would have been much harder to bring him to justice. This result today is a testament to them and while it can never undo what has happened, I hope it helps them gain some kind of closure and allow them to move forward with their lives.
“Smith has proven himself to be a serial sex offender who preys on women while they are asleep and at their most vulnerable, unable to consent.
“Cases like this are the reason I became an officer and being able to bring dangerous predators like Smith to justice makes me proud to be a detective.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone here at Thames Valley Police who worked incredibly hard to help put Smith behind bars where he cannot harm anyone else.
“I hope that this case shows how seriously we take all reports of rape and sexual offences, no matter when they occurred.
“My plea today to anyone who has been affected by rape or any sexual offence is to please tell us. You can contact us via our website or call 101 where you can speak to specialist officers in confidence. There are also a range of other services available that can offer you support.”
Najeebullah Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was today (Friday, June 19) sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 10 years and 11 months’ imprisonment, an extended licence period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years and a lifetime restraining order for his victims.
The 40-year-old Afghan national pleaded guilty to sexually communicating with the 14-year-old child in May 2024.
READ MORE: Afghan man jailed for violent sexual offences in Wantage
He was on court bail for that offence when he sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s in January this year and, less than a week after that, sexually assaulted, kidnapped and raped a 19-year-old woman in Wantage.
Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Stuart May of the Thames Valley Police said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, whose courage in coming forward has been vital in securing justice.
“They were rightly described as heroes by HHJ Nott during today’s sentencing.
“Arab is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted women and subjected them to traumatic and violent offences.
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“His actions have had a lasting impact on his victims, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and ensures he can no longer pose a risk to the public.
“I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims and the wider community that offenders like Arab will be brought to justice.”
Home-Start Oxford is marking Small Charity Week, running from June 22 to 29, by highlighting the vital role small organisations play in supporting communities.
Based in the centre and west of Oxfordshire, the charity offers free, confidential support to parents and carers with young children who are experiencing challenges such as postnatal depression, isolation, bereavement, health issues or disability.
Katharine Barber, CEO of Home‑Start Oxford, said: “Small charities are often closest to the people who need them most.
“We may be small in structure, but the difference we make is huge.
“Every week, our volunteers and staff walk alongside families who are facing incredibly tough circumstances, offering practical help, emotional support and a listening ear.
“Small Charity Week is a chance to shine a light on the essential role organisations like ours play in strengthening communities and to recognise the people who make it all possible.”
Despite rising demand, higher costs and a challenging funding environment, Home‑Start Oxford has supported more than 600 families so far this year.
This impact has been made possible thanks to the dedication of its volunteers, staff and supporters.
The charity is encouraging people to mark Small Charity Week by turning short-term awareness into lasting action.
Ms Barber said: “There are so many ways to support a small charity – from volunteering a few hours, to holding a fundraiser, becoming a regular giver, or simply sharing our work with others.”
The former Top Gear and Grand Tour host purchased Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, back in 2008.
Having taken over the day-to-day operations back in 2019, Mr Clarkson started filming for the first season of Clarkson’s Farm, which was released in 2021.
Available on Prime Video, the documentary shows life on the farm and highlights the plight of British farmers.
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The fifth series had a staggered release across this month, with fans able to now binge-watch all eight new episodes.
This time last year, series four had also just been released, and Mr Clarkson followed up the conclusion of this with an announcement on his latest venture.
The 66-year-old has written several books over the years, including multiple which have covered his farming adventures in Oxfordshire.
He announced in June of 2025 that another was set to release later on in the year called Diddly Squat: The Farmer’s Dog.
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The book covered the latest action on the farm as well as his Asthall pub, The Farmer’s Dog, becoming the fifth book Mr Clarkson has written in the series.
Having purchased the Cotswolds watering hole for around £1m, the former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter opened it to the public in the summer of 2024.
Although no confirmation has yet been made, it is expected that another book will be released this year, following on from Clarkson’s Farm series five.
It has also been confirmed that filming for the show’s sixth season is underway, with an anticipated release date in 2027.
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