Man who filmed sex assault on woman is found guilty

Bradley Smith was convicted of a series of offences during a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court

A man filmed himself sexually assaulting a woman and threatened to share the footage, a court heard.

Bradley Smith, from Chelmsford, also shot the woman's pet hamster and sent her a picture of the dead animal.

The acts came during a prolonged campaign of coercive and controlling abuse by Smith, 46.

The defendant, of Imperial Avenue, was found guilty of two offences of assault against a female by penetration and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

He had previously denied the offences ahead of a two-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Smith admitted disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress.

'Completely abhorrent'

Essex Police launched an investigation in 2021 after being contacted by a woman who reported multiple sexual offences.

The victim also said Smith had taken sexual images of her without her knowledge and threatened to share them.

Further inquiries found the defendant had shot the victim's hamster with a BB gun and sent her a picture of it.

He was arrested in November 2021 and subsequently charged.

Det Sgt Jade Lawton, from Essex Police, said Smith tried to manipulate the woman into not getting support.

"He filmed himself sexually abusing her and repeatedly sent her threatening and controlling messages which were completely abhorrent," she said.

“The victim’s strength to report Smith and get help cannot be underestimated.

“She has carried herself with dignity throughout a long investigation and I hope that she is able to start moving forward, realising that she never deserved this.”

During Smith's trial, the jury failed to reach a verdict on one count of rape.

He will be sentenced on 21 June.