Courageous victim sees rapist jailed for 12 years

A WOMAN'S bravery in coming forward about the abuse and trauma she experienced as a child has put her rapist behind bars.

- SHANNON BROWN

Stuart Hand, 38, offered a teenage girl a lift in 2019 and supplied her with drugs and alcohol before taking her to his home where he raped her.

During sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, Hand’s victim, who is now an adult, said she was left “completely traumatised” by the attack and feared she would not survive.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, 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.”

Hand, of Long Ashton, was driving in Pill in February 2019 when he approached the victim, who he did not know, and offered her a lift. Then, he gave her drugs and alcohol.

Later that evening, he engaged in sexual activity with the girl in the car before taking her to his home address where he raped her.

Hand drove her home the following morning.

In 2022, the victim reported Hand’s crimes to police and an investigation was launched.