DALE HYDE FROM SHENLEY JAILED FOR RAPE OF 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL NEAR ST ALBANS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Shenley, Dale Hyde, a 42-year-old tree surgeon, was sentenced to prison after admitting to the heinous crime of raping a 15-year-old girl. The incident, which took place on December 27 of the previous year, was brought to light during a court hearing at St Albans Crown Court, where Hyde’s actions and subsequent behavior were thoroughly examined.

According to court reports, Hyde’s victim was present at his residence, where she was staying on the sofa. Hyde, who had consumed a significant amount of alcohol—specifically six to eight cans of Kronenbourg—and had taken cocaine, had left his bedroom on four separate occasions to go into the living room. During these visits, he had previously kissed the girl and made inappropriate personal comments towards her. On the final occasion, Hyde forcibly assaulted her, warning her with the words, “Don’t tell your mum,” as he committed the act.

Following the assault, Hyde’s wife confronted him in the kitchen along with the girl. The confrontation escalated, and Hyde’s wife called the police. During the incident, Hyde was seen holding a Stanley knife, and at one point, he was heard to tell his wife to “go and slit your throat now.” The situation became more chaotic when Hyde, in an attempt to evade arrest, drove off in a vehicle with a hosepipe. However, he soon crashed the car nearby and fled the scene.

Hyde’s attempt to escape was short-lived. Police officers located him and attempted to negotiate with him, trying to persuade him to come down from a tree where he had climbed in an apparent act of desperation. Hyde initially fled from the family home, climbing approximately 25 feet up a tree with the Stanley knife and hosepipe in hand. Despite police efforts to talk him down, he jumped from the tree but was caught in the lower branches, suffering only cuts and bruises. Not deterred, Hyde climbed the tree again and eventually landed on the ground, again sustaining minor injuries.

Hyde was arrested at the scene and remained silent during police questioning. His background was noted to be of previous good character, which made the case even more troubling. During the court proceedings, Hyde pleaded guilty to the charge of raping the young girl. Judge Marie Catterson sentenced him to seven years in prison and imposed a sexual harm prevention order. This order prohibits Hyde from having unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 18 and from working in any capacity involving children. Additionally, Hyde is required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Catterson described Hyde’s behavior as “appalling,” emphasizing the severity of his actions and the impact on the victim and her family. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Shenley, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need for justice in cases of sexual assault involving minors.