Zac Porter-Harris

Zac Porter-Harris, a 34-year-old man from Bedford, has been jailed for eight years following his conviction for multiple sexual offences against a woman he knew socially. The case, which spanned a sustained campaign of predatory behaviour, culminated in a trial at Luton Crown Court where Porter-Harris was found guilty on two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault.

The offences involved Porter-Harris persistently pursuing the victim despite her clear boundaries, targeting her for his own gratification. In one particularly invasive incident, he entered her home under false pretences and ignored her repeated pleas to leave, proceeding to carry out the assaults. This pattern of abuse was described by Detective Sergeant Joanna Tyrrell of Bedfordshire Police, who led the four-year investigation, as a 'sustained campaign of predatory and abusive behaviour'. She emphasised the victim's immense courage in cooperating with authorities, which was instrumental in securing the conviction.

Following the sentencing on Friday, 18 July 2025, Porter-Harris was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register. The victim, speaking out to encourage others, shared her emotional toll: 'I honestly feel totally numb to what he did to me. I have tried to lock it away. I know it’s there and I don’t think I have properly dealt with it. I have been really reluctant to speak to anyone and unlock the trauma as I am so worried about what the ramifications will be physically and mentally.' This case underscores the challenges faced by victims of sexual abuse and the importance of support in bringing perpetrators to justice.

The conviction was reported by Greatest Hits Radio (Bucks, Beds & Herts) on 21 July 2025, highlighting the role of Bedfordshire Police in tackling such crimes within the community.