Detailed investigation sees man jailed for sexual assault in Christchurch
A detailed investigation by detectives into a sexual assault has led to a man being jailed.
Lewis Smith, aged 32 and of Christchurch, was sentenced on Monday 15 December 2025 at Bournemouth Crown Court. He was found guilty by jury of assaulting a female aged 13 and over by penetration at a previous hearing.
The investigation began during the early hours of Sunday 28 May 2023 after the victim contacted police to report that she had been sexually assaulted by a man who was unknown to her.
It was reported that the victim had been out with a friend when she met Smith outside a bar in Fairmile Road. Separated from her friend for a short while, the victim then contacted her at around 3am to say that she had been sexually assaulted in a public place. The victim ran away and met a couple walking home, who looked after her until officers made contact.
Following CCTV enquiries of the area, detectives managed to identify Smith as their suspect and after arrest enquiries were carried out at his address and place of work, he eventually handed himself in to police.
Smith, who is a British national and gave his self-defined ethnicity as white British, was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Kate Bleese, of Dorset County CID, said: “The victim in this investigation has shown strength and bravery in coming forward to report what happened to her and providing evidence. She received support from an independent sexual violence advisor throughout.
“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority across the Force and we are committed to supporting victims and ensuring that strong, decisive action is taken to bring offenders before the courts to be held accountable for their actions.”
If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially-trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.
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