Rapist jailed for 'sickening' attack on girl

Stuart Hand is a dangerous predator who abused a child, police said

A "dangerous predator" has been jailed for 12 years for raping and sexually assaulting a child in a "sickening" attack.

Stuart Hand, 38, from Long Ashton, near Bristol, was found guilty of a string of sexual offences following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.

Hand, 38, was driving in Pill, north Somerset, in February 2019 when he approached the victim - who he did not know - and offered her a lift, before plying her with drugs and alcohol and then sexually assaulting her.

At his sentencing on Friday, a statement was read out from the victim who said she was "absolutely terrified" and thought she was going to die that night.

On the night of the attack, Hand engaged in sexual activity with the child in his car before taking her to his home address where he raped her.

He drove the girl home the following morning.

The victim reported the offences to police three years later in 2022, prompting a criminal investigation.

Hand was charged in 2023, he was found guilty of the following offences:

• Raping a female under 16

• Sexual activity with a child under 16

• Inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity

• Taking a child without lawful authority

The victim, who is now an adult, said in her court statement: "This man took away my sense of safety and trust, my childhood, and a part of me I will never get back.

"What he did left me completely traumatised - emotionally and mentally.

"I was absolutely terrified that night. I thought I was going to die.

"That fear has stayed with me, even now, six years later."

She is constantly triggered by songs or sights back to that night which causes her to break down in tears.

"It's like I'm reliving it, again and again... I don't think I'll ever be able to shake that off," she added.

'Truly horrific'

DC Rachel Stephens, from Avon and Somerset Police, said Hand carried out "the most sickening sexual offences against an innocent girl".

"He is a dangerous sexual predator and our society is a much safer place with him behind bars," she said.

DC Stephens added that a "huge amount" of credit must be given to the victim who came forward because she wanted to protect others.

In addition to the prison sentence, Hand was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.