Man jailed for string of sex attacks on women
Oliver Smith was jailed by a judge sitting at Swansea Civic Centre (Benjamin Wright/PA)
A man who sexually assaulted 10 women and two girls over a two-day period because he “got angry” at them for wearing Lycra has been jailed for three years.
Oliver Smith, 27, would cycle up to his victims as they were out jogging or walking and grab their bottoms before riding off.
The offences took place on February 12 and 13 this year in the Swansea area, with eight of the attacks happening in just four hours.
Dean Pulling, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court there were 18 victims in total – aged from 12 to 45 – including one woman who was assaulted twice and others who were with their children.
Serial sex savage went on two-day spree because women wearing lycra made him angry
Oliver Smith, 27, was jailed for three years after he got angry at them for wearing Lycra. His attacks on joggers and walkers brought widespread fear and anger to Swansea
Oliver Smith was jailed for three years at Swansea Crown Court for a string of sex attacks (Image: Media Wales Ltd)
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“The offences were committed during lockdown and when the victims were taking permitted exercise or essential business, such as going to work or the shop. “The fact they were assaulted at that time when there were heightened concerns regarding coronavirus and social distancing only served to increase the stress and fear that they felt at the time. “The attacks that weekend received significant media publicity and these sexual assaults committed in public places, seemingly random attacks against women and girls, brought widespread fear and anger amongst females in Swansea.” Smith was arrested following a police appeal after being recognised by a former school friend, and admitted his crimes.
Oliver Smith, 27, has been jailed for three years at Swansea Crown Court
The court heard how he sexually assaulted 10 women and two girls in two days
Smith told police that he was angry at them for having been out wearing Lycra
Dean Pulling, prosecuting, said there were 18 victims in total - aged from 12 to 45
Smith was placed on the sex offenders register for life by Judge Guy Walters
The judge also imposed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order