Brandon Smith

Brandon Smith, a 25-year-old man formerly of Larch Road, Denton, was identified as a dangerous sexual predator following a harrowing attack on an unknown victim in Hyde, Greater Manchester. The incident occurred on July 5, 2024, when Smith, who had been secretly watching the woman's daily commute to work for approximately six months, ambushed her in broad daylight. He grabbed her, dragged her behind some bushes, threatened to stab her if she made any noise, and subjected her to rape, along with additional sexual assaults and assault by penetration.

During the trial at Bolton Crown Court in January 2025, prosecutors presented evidence that Smith had meticulously planned the assault by observing the victim's routine. After the rape, Smith further terrorised the woman by threatening to kill her mother if she reported the crime. Upon arrest, Smith initially denied ever meeting the victim but later changed his story to claim the encounter was consensual when forensic evidence linked him directly to the assault. The jury found him guilty on two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration.

In April 2025, Smith was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison, with an additional three years on extended licence, and a restraining order was imposed to protect the victim. However, the sentence was deemed unduly lenient and referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme. The Court of Appeal subsequently increased his custodial term to 17 years, maintaining the three-year extended licence period, ensuring the predator remains off the streets for longer.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP commented on the case, stating: "Brandon Smith’s attack and rape of a woman in broad daylight after he had been watching her for months was utterly appalling. This government is committed to halving violence against women and girls and as Solicitor General, I am focussed on protecting women and girls. I welcome the court’s decision to increase Smith’s sentence and keeping a dangerous sexual predator off our streets." The case was reported by The Bolton News, highlighting the severity of sexual violence in Greater Manchester.