Oxford man Daniel Smith jailed for violent rape of elderly woman

A man named Daniel Smith has been convicted and sentenced for a heinous crime committed in Oxford. He admitted to raping an 84-year-old woman with dementia after unlawfully breaking into her residence. The attack took place last December, with Smith entering the woman's home through an open window and leaving through the front door, where he was spotted by her daughter. During the incident, Smith also stole her mobile phone. The victim, who now resides in a care home, is described as extremely vulnerable. Smith, aged 23 and residing in Haddon, Great Holm, Milton Keynes, faced a court sentence of 15 years for one count of rape, with the last four years to be served on license. He also received a concurrent four-year sentence for burglary, after pleading guilty on 18 February. Judge Patrick Eccles characterized the crime as 'a violent and despicable' act, emphasizing its grave nature given the victim's frailty. Smith, who has previously accumulated 30 convictions, was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life. The court heard that Smith claimed no memory of the offense, attributing his actions to being under the influence of drugs, and expressed horror at what he had done. Investigating officer Insp John Linsdell described the crime as 'unimaginable,' highlighting the victim's extreme vulnerability and the effect on her and her family. Linsdell also welcomed the lengthy sentence, considering it appropriate given the severity of the offenses.