'Predatory' man jailed for raping sleeping woman

A "predatory" man has been jailed for more than a decade for raping a sleeping woman.

Daniel Smith, 45, was convicted of rape, sexual assault and breaching a sexual harm prevention order after a trial at Swindon Crown Court in November 2025.

In 2023 he raped a woman in her 30s who he knew at a property in Highworth in Wiltshire and - just over a month later - targeted the same victim, climbing into bed with her without her consent and groping her.

Smith, from Ladywell Close in North Leigh, Oxfordshire, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Friday.

During the sentencing at Swindon Crown Court, Judge Jason Taylor said the jail term had been increased due to Smith having a number of similar previous convictions, as well as the aggravating factor of alcohol being inolved.

He went on to describe Smith, who committed the first attack on the woman in November 2023 and was arrested a month later, as a dangerous offender who represented a serious risk of harm to members of the public.

Investigating officer Det Con 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."

Smith will also service five years on extended license after leaving prison.

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