Somerset man jailed for 'sickening' sexual offences against teenage girl
Stuart Hand has been sentenced to 12 years
Last updated 10th May 2025
A man from Long Ashton has been jailed for 12 years after taking a child in North Somerset and sexually assaulting her six years ago.
Stuart Hand was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court yesterday (Friday 9th May) after his victim came forward in 2022.
He was charged in 2023 with these offences: rape of a female under 16; sexual activity with a child under 16; inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity; and taking a child without lawful authority.
He was found guilty in March this year after denying the offences, and was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "Hand, 38, was driving in Pill in February 2019 when he approached the victim — who he did not know — and offered her a lift. Over the course of the next few hours he drove around and gave the victim alcohol and drugs.
"Later that same evening he engaged in sexual activity with the child in the car before taking her to his home address where he raped her. Hand drove the girl home the following morning
"The victim reported the offences to police in 2022, prompting a criminal investigation."
The victim prepared this statement ahead of his sentencing hearing: "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.
"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.
"Certain songs or sights take me straight back to that time. If I see a car like his, I freeze. I break down when I hear a certain song from that night, whether I’m at home, out with family or even when I was on holiday with my mum in a restaurant — I break down in tears.
"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: "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 recognise 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."
DC Rachel Stephens, officer in the case, said: "Stuart Hand carried out the most sickening sexual offences against an innocent girl who had placed her trust in him. He is a dangerous sexual predator and our society is a much safer place with him behind bars.
"A huge amount of credit must be given to the victim in this case. The ordeal she was subjected to was truly horrific and we must remember was carried out while she was a child.
"We wholly understand that not everybody feels they can report crimes, particularly sexual offences, in the days, weeks or even months after they happen for various reasons.
"It was clear from her statement that the key reason for coming forward in 2022 was to protect others and that is precisely what she has done. Put quite simply, the courage she has shown by reporting to police what happened is the reason Stuart Hand has been jailed.
"We hope any other victims of sexual offences are reassured that no matter how much time may have passed, it is never too late to report a crime to the police. Cases like this show that offenders can still be sentenced for their crimes and brought to justice."
Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999.
Please visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims.