JAKE HART

TEENAGER SENTENCED TO OVER FOUR YEARS FOR CANAL TOWPATH RAPE

Teenager Jake Hart jailed for canal towpath rapeJake Hart, 15, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for raping a woman in Sefton last year.

He was also sentenced to two years for actual bodily harm, which will be served concurrently.

Additionally, Hart will serve a further four years on an extended license and will be registered as a sex offender for life.The victim, a 20-year-old woman, was attacked while walking on a canal towpath near Brewery Lane, Melling, during the afternoon of December 10, 2015.

Hart was arrested the following day and charged with rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.Detective Inspector Terry Davies from Merseyside Police’s Unity team stated: "We welcome today’s sentence, which we hope will give the victim some closure.

Rape is a very personal crime with devastating effects.

I commend the victim for her bravery and support throughout the investigation.

Her experience has significantly impacted her, and she has since returned home to Austria."He added: "Specially trained officers and lawyers supported her throughout to ensure justice was served and that he is no longer a danger to the public.

We encourage others who have suffered sexual offences to come forward, knowing they will be treated sensitively."Further details can be found at this link.