JOSEPH SHORT'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN HERTFORDSHIRE AND SCOTLAND FINALLY BRING HIM TO JUSTICE

Joseph Short, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, has been finally sentenced to prison after a series of alleged assaults spanning multiple locations, including Hertfordshire and previously in Midlothian, Scotland. His case highlights the complex and often controversial use of medical defenses such as sexsomnia in courtrooms, as well as the failures and challenges faced by victims seeking justice.

Short's criminal activities first came under scrutiny in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was accused of a sexual assault in 2011. However, the Crown Office decided not to pursue charges against him at that time. The reason cited was Short's claim that he was asleep during the incident, a condition known as sexsomnia, which he argued rendered him unaware of his actions. This medical condition, though recognized in some circles, remains highly contested and was a central point in the legal proceedings.

Despite his claims, the situation changed when Short was later accused of a similar assault in Hertfordshire, England, three years after the Edinburgh incident. In this case, he was convicted of two counts of rape and a serious sexual assault committed in Hertfordshire. The victims in these cases provided detailed testimonies, and during cross-examination, questions arose about whether Short might have been asleep during the assaults. Medical experts confirmed that he had been diagnosed with sexsomnia, but they also pointed out that he had ignored medical advice to avoid situations where he could harm women.

Throughout the trial, Short attempted to plead insanity, but the court was unconvinced. The judge described him as a dangerous individual, emphasizing that his actions demonstrated a clear awareness of his conduct. The Hertfordshire victim recounted her harrowing experience, describing how she was raped and strangled, initially unable to comprehend what was happening. She later decided to come forward and report the assault in late 2014, despite facing initial support and sympathy.

In Scotland, the case initially appeared promising for justice, but the Crown Office ultimately dropped the charges due to insufficient evidence, leaving the victim devastated and feeling betrayed by the legal system. This decision was met with criticism, highlighting perceived failures by police and prosecutors to adequately pursue the case. Nevertheless, the victim's perseverance and the evidence collected in England contributed to the eventual conviction of Short.

Joseph Short was sentenced to a minimum of 11 years in prison, with the possibility of extension, marking a significant victory for justice and victim advocacy. His history of claims related to sleepwalking and multiple sexual attacks was scrutinized during the trial. Experts testified that while he was diagnosed with sexsomnia, the evidence presented in court demonstrated that he was fully aware of his actions during the assaults, refuting his sleep disorder defense.

Overall, the case underscores the dangers of relying on controversial medical defenses in serious criminal cases. Short's background as a soldier was briefly mentioned, but no detailed information was provided about his military service. The victims and advocates expressed relief and hope that this conviction will serve as a warning to others, emphasizing that failing to prosecute earlier allowed him to continue harming women. The article condemns Short as a dangerous predator, not a victim, and highlights the importance of justice for those affected. The Crown Office has indicated that they may revisit the case if new evidence emerges, signaling ongoing vigilance in addressing such serious crimes.