36-Year-Old Man Jailed for 13 Years for Rape and Arson

Jamie Hardy, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 19 July after being found guilty of a string of offenses, including oral rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, sexual assault, and multiple assaults.

He had already pleaded guilty to arson at the start of his trial.

The court heard how Hardy assaulted his victim, set fire to her belongings, and orally raped her. The victim sustained serious bruising, including two black eyes.

In a personal statement, the victim said she "won't ever be able to articulate" the level of abuse she suffered. She stated that she is "constantly reminded" of the traumatic events and actively avoids her family due to her injuries.

Alongside his 13-year custodial sentence, the judge imposed an indefinite restraining order and required Hardy to register as a sex offender for life. He was also barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.

Specialist rape investigator, DC Katie Winbow, praised the victim's bravery: "The bravery of the victim to report these offenses should be commended. Her courage in coming forward and supporting a prosecution has put a dangerous and abusive man behind bars. We hope this sentence will give other victims of this kind of crime the confidence to report it to police so we can conduct a full and thorough investigation."