Brandon Smith, 25, from Denton, had his sentence increased by four and a half years
A disgusting rapist who dragged a woman down a lonely path and threatened to stab her if she cried for help has had his sentence extended.
Brandon Smith, 25, of Larch Road in Denton, had his sentence for rape and other sex offences increased by four and a half years after his case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
The court heard that Smith did not know his victim, but he had been watching her for six months and identified her route to work.
In the morning of July 5, 2024, Smith grabbed the victim on her morning commute and threatened to stab her if she made a noise. He then dragged her behind some bushes and raped her.
The terrifying attack took place on Friday, July 5 last year on a path off King Street and Pitt Street in Hyde that leads to a footbridge over the M67.
Smith and the victim didn’t know each other.
After the assault, Smith told his victim he had been watching her for six months and threatened to harm her family if she told anyone about the vicious attack. He was arrested two days later.
Smith denied his guilt throughout the trial, initially claiming he had never met his victim. 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 of rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration on 8 January 2025.
On April 30, 2025, Smith was sentenced to 12 years and six months’ imprisonment with a license extension of three years, for rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault at Bolton Crown Court. A restraining order was also imposed.
On November 21, Smith’s sentence was increased to 17 years with a license extension of three years, after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
The Solicitor General Rt Hon Ellie Reeves MP said: “Brandon Smith’s attack and rape of a women 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 focused 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.”
