Shaun Harris

Shaun Harris, a 58-year-old man of no fixed abode, was sentenced to a discretionary life imprisonment at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, 17 December, following a 10-day trial for multiple serious sexual offences committed in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

Harris was found guilty on two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of assault by penetration. The court heard evidence detailing the horrific nature of the attacks, which led to his classification as a 'dangerous sexual predator' by Hertfordshire Constabulary. He had pleaded not guilty during an earlier court hearing in May but was ultimately convicted by the jury.

Detective Sergeant Colin Hutton from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Sexual Offences Investigation Team commended the victim's bravery in the criminal justice process, stating: 'Harris is a dangerous sexual predator, and I am glad to see that he will be spending a considerable amount of time in prison. The communities where he used to reside will feel safer knowing that he is behind bars.' In addition to the life sentence, with a minimum term of 10 years, Harris will remain on the Sex Offender Register for life. A restraining order was imposed, and he is subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), requiring him to inform police within three days of intending to form an intimate relationship.

The case was investigated by Hertfordshire Constabulary, highlighting their commitment to pursuing sexual offenders. The offences took place in Stevenage, within Hertfordshire, underscoring the local impact of Harris's crimes on the community.