A twisted predator who stalked a woman for six months before raping and threatening her has had his prison sentence ramped up following a Government clash.
Brandon Smith’s Sentence Boosted to 17 Years
Brandon Smith, 25, from Denton, Greater Manchester, was originally handed 12 years and six months in prison for his vile crimes.
But after the Solicitor General intervened, his sentence was increased by four and a half years, pushing his jail time to 17 years plus a three-year licence extension.
Horrific Crime Details Emerge
The court heard Smith didn’t know the victim but had been lurking, watching her every move for half a year. He memorised her route to work, waiting until the morning of 5 July 2024 to pounce.
Smith grabbed the woman during her commute, threatening to stab her if she screamed. He then dragged her behind bushes and raped her.
After the attack, he threatened to kill her mother if she spoke out.
Denial and Guilty Verdict
Smith denied ever meeting the victim at first. When forensic evidence proved otherwise, he claimed the sex was consensual.
Justice caught up with him at Bolton Crown Court, where he was found guilty on all five counts on 8 January 2025.
The Solicitor General Rt Hon Ellie Reeves MP slammed the attack, saying:
“Brandon Smith’s attack and rape of a woman in broad daylight after stalking her for months was utterly appalling.
This Government is committed to halving violence against women and girls and I welcome the court’s decision to increase Smith’s sentence, keeping a dangerous sexual predator off our streets.”
Along with the extended jail term, a restraining order was slapped on Smith. Justice has finally struck hard against this nasty offender.
