Lewis Smith

A detailed investigation by Dorset Police has resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of Lewis Smith for a sexual assault committed in Christchurch. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 28 May 2023, when the victim, a female aged 13 and over, reported being assaulted by an unknown man.

The victim had been out with a friend and met Smith outside a bar on Fairmile Road. After becoming separated from her friend for a short time, she contacted her around 3am to report the assault, which took place in a public area. The victim managed to run away and was assisted by a couple walking home until police officers arrived on the scene.

Detectives conducted CCTV enquiries in the vicinity, which enabled them to identify Smith as the suspect. Further enquiries were carried out at his address and place of work following his arrest. Smith, a 32-year-old British national of white British ethnicity from Christchurch, eventually handed himself in to police.

At a previous hearing, a jury at Bournemouth Crown Court found Smith guilty of assaulting a female by penetration. On Monday, 15 December 2025, he was sentenced to five years and six months in prison. Detective Sergeant Kate Bleese of Dorset County CID commended the victim's strength and bravery in reporting the incident and providing evidence, noting that she received support from an independent sexual violence advisor throughout the process.

This case underscores Dorset Police's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, with a focus on supporting victims and holding offenders accountable through decisive action in the courts.