A convicted sex offender has been jailed for raping a woman in her Highworth home.
45-year-old Daniel Smith was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Friday (23 January).
The defendant, of of Ladywell Close in North Leigh, Oxfordshire, was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order at trial.
The court heard how Smith raped the victim, a woman aged in her 30s who was known to him, inside a property in Highworth on 4 November 2023 while she was asleep.
On 9 December 2023, Smith again targeted the same victim by climbing into her bed without consent and groping her.
The offences were reported to Wiltshire Police on 18 December 2023 and Smith was arrested later that day.
He was subsequently charged and later convicted of the offences, including breaching the conditions of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Smith – who has previous convictions for sexual offences – was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment, made up of 11 years in custody followed by five years on extended licence.
During sentencing, Judge Taylor said the length of the sentence reflected aggravating factors including Smith’s use of alcohol and multiple previous convictions that were disturbingly similar.
He also said Smith was a dangerous offender who continued to pose a serious risk of harm to the public.
Investigating officer DC Hemns said: “The victim in this case has shown incredible bravery, strength and courage throughout this case, particularly as Smith forced her to relive the trauma through a trial.
“I hope now the legal proceedings have concluded that she can begin to heal and move on from this shadow hanging over her.
“Smith is a predatory individual who has previous convictions for this kind of crime.
“I’m pleased the judge recognised the severity of his offending and gave him a lengthy custodial sentence. He also remains on the Sex Offender’s Register and subject to a SHPO indefinitely.”
