A thug who sexually abused a woman and sent her a picture of her dead hamster whom he had shot with a BB gun has been convicted of sexual offences and coercive controlling behaviour. Bradley Smith, 46, was convicted after a two-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

An investigation into Smith was launched in 2021 after a woman bravely contacted Essex Police to report multiple sexual offences. The victim also reported that Smith had taken sexual images of her without her knowledge and threatened to share them.

Smith, of Imperial Avenue in Chelmsford, was arrested in November 2021 and subsequently charged. Further enquiries revealed that Smith had shot the victim’s hamster with a BB gun after he sent his victim an image of her dead hamster.

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He had denied rape, two counts of assault against a female by penetration, and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. A jury convicted him of the two counts of assault against a female by penetration and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. They failed to come to a decision on the rape charge.

Previously, he pleaded guilty to disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress. He will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 21 June for sentencing.

Detective Sergeant Jade Lawton from Essex Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team said: "Smith subjected the victim to months of sexual assault and tried to control and manipulate her into not getting support. He filmed himself sexually abusing her and repeatedly sent her threatening and controlling messages which were completely abhorrent.

"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."

Getting help and support for domestic violence

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone.

Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members. Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser, the NHS says.

You do not need to wait for an emergency situation to get help. It may seem like a difficult step to take, but there is support available and You Are Not Alone.

Free, confidential support and advice is available to victims and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day.

If you're worried someone might see you have seen this information or searched for it, the Women's Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.