Man jailed after assault on teenage girl in Christchurch
Attack occurred after meeting outside a bar in Fairmile Road
Last updated 17th Dec 2025
A man from Christchurch has been sentenced to over five years in prison for raping a woman he had met outside a bar.
Lewis Smith, a 32-year-old man, was jailed at Bournemouth Crown Court on 15th December 2025. He was found guilty by jury of assaulting a woman aged 13 and over by penetration at an earlier hearing.
The case originated in the early hours of 28th May 2023 when the victim reported the assault. She had been out with a friend before meeting Hawkett-Smith outside a bar in Fairmile Road. Later, separated from her friend, the victim contacted her at around 3am, stating that she had been sexually assaulted in a public place.
She ran from the scene and encountered a couple walking home, who cared for her until police arrived.
Detectives used CCTV from the area to identify Hawkett-Smith as the suspect. After initial arrest attempts at his home and workplace, he handed himself in.
Hawkett-Smith was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Kate Bleese of Dorset County CID said:
“The victim in this investigation has shown strength and bravery in coming forward to report what happened to her and providing evidence. She received support from an independent sexual violence advisor throughout."
“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority across the Force and we are committed to supporting victims and ensuring that strong, decisive action is taken to bring offenders before the courts to be held accountable for their actions."