MAN SENTENCED OVER ONE-NIGHT SEX ATTACK SPREE
Update 28/04/2026: Rio Bunce, who's address was given as HMP Bullingdon, near Bicester, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, April 17.The 22-year old pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted upskirting and one count of sexual assault on a different occasion.
The court heard that Bunce has four previous convictions for sexual assault and one for exposure.
For these offences, he received a suspended prison sentence.
David Parvin, prosecuting, told the court that on March 8, the victim was in John Lewis in the Westgate shopping centre in Oxford.
Mr Parvin told the court the sexual assault incident occurred on May 10 last year.
The victim on this occasion was also 16.
The court heard Bunce met the victim outside Oxford Ice Rink and he was invited to a field near her home with a group of her friends.
Mr Parvin said: "He was flirting with her and it wasn't reciprocated.
He leaned across and rubbed her trousers." The court heard that Bunce attempted to touch her genitals, but she smacked his hand away and told him to stop.
Bunce was given a sentence of eight months in prison.
However he was deemed to have already served that on remand, so he is set to be released.
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A man identified as Rio Bunce has been convicted and sentenced for a series of disturbing sexual assaults that targeted women during night-time hours in Oxford.
The incidents, which took place in a relatively short span of time, specifically occurred in and around Oxpens Road, a well-known area within the city, on the evening of 21 March 2024.
According to court records, Rio Bunce, aged 22 and residing on Thames Street in Oxford, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to his criminal behaviour.
The charges included three counts of sexual assault and one count of exposure, all of which involved separate victims.
The nature of these attacks has caused significant concern among local residents and authorities, highlighting the ongoing issues of safety and security in the area.
The sentencing took place at Oxford Crown Court, where the judge considered the severity of Bunce’s actions and the impact on the victims.
Despite the gravity of the offenses, Bunce was handed a 21-month prison sentence, but this was suspended for a period of two years.
This means that he will not serve time in prison unless he commits further offenses within that period.
In addition to the suspended sentence, the court ordered Bunce to undergo mental health treatment, recognising the potential underlying issues that may have contributed to his behaviour.
He was also mandated to complete 45 days of rehabilitation activities aimed at addressing his conduct and preventing future offenses.
Furthermore, Bunce is required to wear an electronic monitoring tag for six months, ensuring compliance with the court’s conditions and enhancing community safety.
The case has drawn attention to the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community awareness in preventing similar incidents.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity, especially during night-time hours, to help maintain safety in Oxford and its surrounding neighbourhoods.
