DANIEL OLDFIELD CONVICTED OF RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN COLCHESTER AND ESSEX

A man accused of violently attacking a woman within her own home has been convicted of serious sexual offenses following a comprehensive two-week trial. The incident took place in North Essex, specifically in Colchester, where Daniel Oldfield, aged 46, entered a woman’s bedroom during the early hours of April 2022 and carried out a brutal assault while she was asleep.

According to court proceedings, Oldfield’s assault involved both physical violence and sexual misconduct, culminating in the rape of the victim. During the attack, the woman sustained an injury to her hand, which prompted her to seek medical attention at a local hospital. While at the hospital, she reported to medical staff that she had been assaulted by Oldfield, though she did not initially disclose the sexual nature of the attack.

Following her report, Essex Police launched an investigation into the incident. Oldfield was quickly identified as a suspect and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault. During police interviews, Oldfield’s behavior raised concerns, leading authorities to place him on the ‘threat to life register,’ a measure used to monitor individuals deemed to pose a significant risk and to enforce court orders that restrict their conduct if they refuse to cooperate with police investigations.

Detective Constable Rebecca Welch, a member of the domestic abuse problem-solving team, took a direct interest in the case. She contacted the victim, who later disclosed additional details about the assault, including the rape, in November 2022. This disclosure was pivotal in supporting the case for prosecution, as the victim expressed her confidence in the justice process and her willingness to see Oldfield held accountable.

Later that month, Oldfield was re-arrested and formally charged with multiple offenses, including rape, sexual assault, and causing actual bodily harm. He was remanded in custody to await trial. The case proceeded to Ipswich Crown Court, where a jury found Oldfield guilty of rape and sexual assault by a majority verdict. However, the jury did not reach a verdict regarding the assault charge, leaving that aspect unresolved.

Oldfield, who has no fixed address, is now awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for October 21. Legal authorities anticipate a lengthy prison sentence given the severity of his crimes. Throughout the proceedings, Detective Welch praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward and supporting the case, emphasizing Oldfield’s apparent lack of remorse for his actions. Sgt Sonia Mirrington-French from Colchester’s domestic abuse team also expressed pride in the efforts of the police officers involved, highlighting their dedication to supporting victims and breaking cycles of abuse. Oldfield’s conduct and attitude during the trial underscored his indifference to the profound impact of his crimes on his victim, leaving the community and authorities hopeful for a strong sentence to serve justice.