Chelmsford man jailed for sexual assault

A man who filmed himself sexually assaulting a woman and then “made her feel like a liar” has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Bradley Smith, aged 46, of Imperial Avenue, Chelmsford, was previously found guilty of two counts of sexual assault by penetration, coercive control of behaviour and unauthorised publication of private sexual images after subjecting a woman to years of abuse and manipulation.

Smith was arrested in 2021 after a woman bravely reported that she had been sexually assaulted. The victim also revealed that Smith had taken sexual images of her without her knowledge and threatened to share them in a WhatsApp group.

Further investigation by Essex Police’s Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team revealed that Smith had shot the victim’s hamster with an air rifle and then sent her a picture of the dead pet.

Smith was charged with unauthorized publication of private sexual images and related harassment, two counts of assault on a woman, controlling and coercive behavior, and rape.

He pleaded guilty to publishing private photos and films with sexual intent to cause harm.

After a two-week trial, he was found guilty of two counts of penetrative assault on a woman and of exercising controlling and coercive behavior.

In one rape case, the jury was unable to reach a verdict.

Smith appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 21 June, where he was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison. The judge ordered him to serve at least two-thirds of the sentence and made an indefinite restraining order.

The officer investigating the case, Detective Sergeant Jade Lawton, said: “What this woman has been through is beyond disturbing and the strength she has shown throughout this difficult process is admirable.”

“Smith has proven himself to be a manipulator and abuser who has no regard for the victim’s feelings by refusing to admit his actions.

“Smith felt he had power over the victim and tried to manipulate her into thinking he had done nothing wrong.

“I hope the verdict gives the victim time to heal and regain the power that Smith tried to take from her.

“I am impressed by the strength she has shown throughout the process. None of this was her fault and I hope the verdict gives her the closure she needs to move on with her life.”

There is support for everyone affected by rape and sexual abuse and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and genders in Essex, Thurrock and Southend.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis). Synergy Essex is independent of the police and supports victims and survivors throughout their lives.

Victims and survivors can self-report or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and have access to specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy.

For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service (ISVA) which offers support throughout the criminal justice process.

For more information visit the Synergy Essex website: https://synergyessex.org.uk/