A DENTON man who raped and threatened to stab a woman he had been watching for six months had his jail sentence increased.
Brandon Smith, of Larch Road, grabbed his victim on July 5, 2024 when she was on her morning commute in Hyde and carried out his sickening assault.
He dragged her down a path off King Street and Pitt Street and following the attack, made threats to kill his victim’s mother if she said anything.
The 25-year-old was originally jailed for 12-and-a-half years, with a license extension of three years. A consequential restraining order was also imposed.
But following the Solicitor General’s intervention, that has been increased by a further four-and-a-half after his case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Smith did not know his victim, and he denied his guilt throughout the trial, initially claiming he had never met her.
When forensic evidence made it clear 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 of two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one assault by penetration on January 8 before being sentenced on April 30.
But on Friday, November 21, Smith’s term was increased to 17 years with a license extension of three years.
Solicitor General, the 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.
“As Solicitor General, I am focussed on protecting women and girls and I welcome the court’s decision to increase Smith’s sentence and keeping a dangerous sexual predator off our streets.”