Jason O’Dell

A convicted rapist, Jason O’Dell, found himself back behind bars after committing a violent offence just hours after his release from prison. O’Dell, aged 56, had served a nine-year sentence for rape prior to his release. On 17 February 2025, at approximately 5.30pm, he arrived uninvited at a family member’s home in Longstanton, Cambridgeshire.

Upon entering the kitchen, O’Dell demanded money to help him 'get back on his feet'. The victim refused, referencing abusive letters O’Dell had sent from prison. This refusal enraged O’Dell, who shouted, 'you are disrespecting me, who do you think you are?' He then seized a six-inch knife from a block on the worktop and pinned the victim against the surface, threatening to 'end him'.

The victim, fearing for his life, pleaded with O’Dell to put the knife down and offered to discuss the money. However, O’Dell refused and pressed the knife harder into the victim’s side, repeating his threats to kill. A struggle ensued, during which the victim managed to wrestle the knife away from O’Dell’s grip. The victim then shouted for another household member to call the police and succeeded in forcing O’Dell out of the home.

O’Dell was arrested a few hours later in Cambridge. He was recalled to prison and initially denied the charges of threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a private place and making threats to kill. He later pleaded guilty. On 30 October 2025, at Cambridge Crown Court, O’Dell was sentenced to three years and ten months in prison.

Detective Constable Samuel Andrews, who led the investigation for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, commented: 'O’Dell’s actions caused considerable fear and distress for the victim, in his own home. O’Dell is clearly a dangerous individual who has a history of offending and I hope the fact he’s back behind bars provides reassurance to those affected by crimes.' This incident underscores the ongoing risks posed by individuals with prior serious convictions, as reported by Cambridgeshire Constabulary.