MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TEENAGE GIRL
A man from Long Ashton has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted of abusing a young girl in North Somerset six years prior.The court heard how Stuart Hand, 38, was found guilty of numerous historical offences involving a teenage victim.
The incident was described as leaving the girl feeling as if she might die and causing her to become utterly traumatised.
In February 2019, Hand approached the girl in Pill while driving, offering her a lift despite not knowing her.
Over the next few hours, he drove her around, supplied her with alcohol and drugs, and later engaged in sexual activity within the car before taking her to his home, where he raped her.
The following morning, Hand drove her back home.
The victim reported the matter to the police in 2022, initiating a formal investigation.
Hand was charged in 2023 with multiple offences, including rape of a girl under 16, sexual activity with a girl under 16, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and taking a child without lawful authority.
Despite denying all charges, he was found guilty after a trial in March 2025, resulting in his 12-year prison sentence.
