STUART HAND FROM LONG ASHTON SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES IN NORTH SOMERSET

A man identified as Stuart Hand, residing in Long Ashton, has been handed a significant prison sentence of 12 years after being convicted of serious sexual offences committed against a young girl in North Somerset. The case, which has garnered considerable attention, stems from incidents that occurred six years prior, involving the victim who was a minor at the time.

Details of the court proceedings reveal that the offences came to light after the victim, now an adult, reported the crimes to the police in 2022. The subsequent investigation led to charges being brought against Hand in 2023. The charges included rape of a female under 16, engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16, inciting a child under 16 to participate in sexual acts, and taking a child without lawful authority. Hand maintained his innocence throughout the process, denying all six charges, but was ultimately found guilty following a trial held in March 2025.

The court heard how, in February 2019, Hand was driving through Pill, a locality within North Somerset, when he approached a girl he did not know. He offered her a lift, and over the course of several hours, he drove around with her, providing alcohol and drugs. During this time, he engaged in sexual activity with her inside the vehicle. Later that evening, he took her to his home address, where he committed rape. The following morning, Hand drove the girl back to her home.

The victim, who has since become an adult, prepared a heartfelt statement for the court prior to sentencing. She described how the trauma inflicted by Hand has profoundly affected her life. She stated, “This man took away my sense of safety and trust, my childhood, and a part of me I will never get back. What he did left me completely traumatised — emotionally and mentally.” She recounted her fears during the incident, saying, “I was absolutely terrified that night. I thought I was going to die and that I might not survive. That fear has stayed with me, even now, six years later. It affects me in ways that are hard to explain, but impossible to ignore.”

She further explained how certain sights and sounds trigger painful memories, such as hearing specific songs or seeing particular cars, which cause her to break down emotionally. “It’s like I’m reliving it, again and again. Not just sounds but smells too, they remind me of that night and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to shake that off,” she added.

In her statement, she emphasized the long-lasting impact of the crimes and her desire for justice. “He has had years of freedom while I’ve been living with the consequences of what he did. Coming forward and going through this process has been incredibly hard, but I did it because I wanted justice — not just for myself, but to protect others from what I’ve gone through. I ask the court to recognize how serious and long-lasting the impact of this crime has been. No sentence can undo what’s been done, but I hope it reflects the damage caused and the years I’ve spent, and will have to continue to spend, trying to rebuild my life.”

In addition to the prison term, Stuart Hand was also subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, aimed at preventing any future offences and protecting the community. The case underscores the importance of justice for victims of such heinous crimes and highlights the ongoing impact on their lives long after the offences have occurred.