Oliver Smith Jailed for 12 Years After Kidnapping and Rape

Oliver Smith Sentenced to 12 Years for Kidnapping and Rape

On Friday, January 24th, 2025, Oliver Smith, a 21-year-old from South Hurst, Whitehill, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple offenses including kidnapping and rape. Smith identifies as transgender and uses they/them pronouns.

The crimes occurred in Bordon, Hampshire, on Friday, September 27th, 2023, when Smith approached a teenage girl walking to school in a wooded area. Smith threatened the victim with a bladed box cutter, raped her, and committed other sexual offenses.

Smith was arrested on Saturday, September 28th, after fleeing by train to Mallaig, Scotland. Police Scotland assisted in bringing Smith back to Hampshire.

During sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court, the judge characterized Smith's actions as "planned and premediated," "calculated and predatory," emphasizing that Smith had clearly planned the attack. The judge also commended the victim's courage and acknowledged the profound trauma she endured, stating that she should have felt safe walking to school.

Investigating officer PSI Doug Gould from Operation Amberstone stated, “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that Oliver Smith’s shocking predatory behaviour will not be tolerated. Smith’s actions have had a serious impact not only on the victim, who has shown tremendous courage throughout proceedings, but also on the community in Bordon as well.”

Detective Inspector Claire Shawley added, "We will not tolerate violence against women and girls in our community. It is our promise to anyone who comes forward to report any crime of a sexual nature that you will be listened to, believed and have the allegations taken extremely seriously."