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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Shaun Smith (Image: TVP)

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.”