A Long Ashton rapist, Stuart Hand, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for abducting and sexually assaulting a youngster in North Somerset six years prior.
Stuart Hand, a resident of Long Ashton, has been punished after being convicted of historical offences against a juvenile girl.
Bristol Crown Court on Friday, May 9, heard that the girl feared for her life and has been left utterly terrified by Hand’s actions.
In February 2019, Stuart Hand, 38, was operating a vehicle in Pill when he encountered the victim, whom he did not recognise, and extended an offer for transportation. During the subsequent hours, he transported the victim while administering booze and medications.
Later that evening, he participated in sexual acts with the child in the vehicle before transporting her to his residence, where he subsequently raped her.
Stuart Hand escorted the girl home the subsequent morning.
The victim notified the police with the offences in 2022, initiating a criminal inquiry.
Stuart Hand was indicted in 2023 for the following offences:
- Rape of a female under 16
- Sexual activity with a child under 16
- Incite a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity
- Taking a child without lawful authority
He denied all six offences but was found guilty following a trial in March 2025.
The victim, who is now an adult, prepared a statement for the court ahead of today’s sentencing hearing.
She said: “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 and that I might not survive. That fear has stayed with me, even now, six years later. It affects me in ways that are hard to explain, but impossible to ignore.
“Certain songs or sights take me straight back to that time. If I see a car like his, I freeze. I break down when I hear a certain song from that night, whether I’m at home, out with family or even when I was on holiday with my mum in a restaurant — I break down in tears.
“It’s like I’m reliving it, again and again. Not just sounds but smells too, they remind me of that night and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to shake that off.”
She added: “He has had years of freedom while I’ve been living with the consequences of what he did. Coming forward and going through this process has been incredibly hard, but I did it because I wanted justice — not just for myself, but to protect others from what I’ve gone through.
“I ask the court to recognise how serious and long-lasting the impact of this crime has been. No sentence can undo what’s been done, but I hope it reflects the damage caused and the years I’ve spent, and will have to continue to spend, trying to rebuild my life.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Hand was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
DC Rachel Stephens, officer in the case, said: “Stuart Hand carried out the most sickening sexual offences against an innocent girl who had placed her trust in him. He is a dangerous sexual predator and our society is a much safer place with him behind bars.
“A huge amount of credit must be given to the victim in this case. The ordeal she was subjected to was truly horrific and we must remember was carried out while she was a child.
“We wholly understand that not everybody feels they can report crimes, particularly sexual offences, in the days, weeks or even months after they happen for various reasons.
“It was clear from her statement that the key reason for coming forward in 2022 was to protect others and that is precisely what she has done. Put quite simply, the courage she has shown by reporting to police what happened is the reason Stuart Hand has been jailed.
“We hope any other victims of sexual offences are reassured that no matter how much time may have passed, it is never too late to report a crime to the police. Cases like this show that offenders can still be sentenced for their crimes and brought to justice.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.