Man jailed after terrifying sex attack in broad daylight

A man has been jailed after carrying out a terrifying sex attack on a woman in broad daylight.

Brandon Smith, 25, was sentenced today to 12 years and six months imprisonment, with an extended licence period of three years, at Bolton Crown Court for raping and sexually assaulting a woman in July 2024. An indefinite restraining order was also imposed, along with notification requirements.

Wendy V Lloyd, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West's Rape and Serious Sexual Offence Unit, said: "Brandon Smith targeted a woman in broad daylight and dragged her to a secluded location before carrying out a terrifying sexual attack.

"Smith, who had been watching the woman for some time, carried out the attack for his own sexual gratification, with no thought for the lasting impact his actions could have.

"It is clear that Smith poses an significant risk to women, and we are pleased that today's result will see him spend a substantial period of time behind bars.

"I would like to thank the woman at the centre of this horrific ordeal, and her family, for supporting this prosecution. It is my sincere hope that she can move forward with her life knowing Smith has been brought to justice."

On 5 July 2024, Smith launched his attack on the woman, who was not known to him, taking her down a path off King Street and Pitt Street in Hyde, before he carried out a sustained sexual attack.

He told the woman he had been watching her for six months and following the attack, he made threats to harm her family if she reported it.

Following a police investigation, Smith was arrested on 7 July 2024 at an address in Gorton.

He denied his guilt at throughout the trial – initially claiming he had never met the woman. Then, when forensic evidence made it clear that he had been in contact with the woman, he subsequently claimed she had consented.

Following a trial at Bolton Crown Court, he was found guilty on all five counts on 8 January 2025.