Boston man guilty of 27 sexual offences including child rape

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 16:14 · Archive

Jake Hardstaff, 35, was found guilty of 27 sexual offences including ten counts of rape at Lincoln Crown Court.

Jake Hardstaff, 35, of Maple Road, Boston, was found guilty of 27 sexual offences at Lincoln Crown Court after a 14-day trial that concluded on Thursday, 22 October. The offences included ten counts of rape, two of which involved children under 13, three counts of assault on a child by penetration, two counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault on a female, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship. He was acquitted of three counts of rape and one count of controlling or coercive behaviour.

Hardstaff pleaded not guilty to all allegations. The four victims—one adult and three children—described to the court years of physical and emotional abuse. One victim was only nine years old when the abuse began. The alleged offences took place between June 2019 and June 2024.

Detective Constable Helen Wood, who led the investigation, said the verdict was 'testament to the extraordinary courage of the victims, who have endured unimaginable trauma and have shown remarkable strength in coming forward and resilience to endure the – at times - gruelling judicial process'. Hardstaff was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 25 November.

How it is being reported

• Boston man jailed for more than 14 years after being found guilty of two counts of rape and further sexual offenceA Boston man has been jailed for more than 14 years after being found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of engaging in sexual communication with a child, Lincolnshire Police has said.Lincolnshire World · 26 Oct, 16:32
• 'Unimaginable trauma' - Boston man found guilty of 27 sexual offences, including 10 counts of rape - two against under 13-year-oldsA Boston man has been found guilty of 27 sexual offences, including 10 counts of rape, Lincolnshire Police has said.Skegness Standard · 26 Oct, 15:48
• Police praise courage of Boston rapist's victims after he's found guilty of 27 offencesJake Hardstaff was found guilty of multiple rapes and sexual assaults at Lincoln Crown CourtLincolnshire Live · 26 Oct, 10:11

In this story: Jake Hardstaff · Boston · Lincoln Crown Court · Lincolnshire Police

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