MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF LONE WOMAN
Lewis Smith, aged 32 and from Christchurch, was convicted by a jury of sexually assaulting a woman by penetration.The incident occurred on Sunday, May 28, 2023, when the woman was out with a friend.
She encountered Smith outside a bar on Fairmile Road in Christchurch.
After a brief separation from her friend, Smith sexually assaulted her.
At approximately 3am, the woman contacted her friend to report that she had been assaulted in a public area.
She then fled the scene and later met a couple walking home, who provided her with assistance until police arrived.
Authorities examined CCTV footage revealing Smith as the assailant.
Investigations at his home and workplace led to him eventually surrendering to the police.
Smith received a prison sentence of five years and six months.
He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and issued a restraining order from the victim until further notice.
