Ethan Hare 40

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A rapist who was hunted down, arrested and charged within 24 hours of his crime has been sentenced to 15 years.

Kirklees Safeguarding detectives have welcomed the sentencing of Ethan Hare, aged 40, and commended the bravery of the victim for coming forward to report his offending against her. 

Hare, of Ashfield Drive, Halifax, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with five years extended licence  at Leeds Crown Court today  ( Friday 6 February ) after being found guilty of two counts of rape against a woman in Mirfield in May last year.

The 40-year-old had met the victim in Mirfield during the early hours of 11 May and offered to give her a lift home.

He then seriously sexually assaulted her before releasing her at a petrol station in Huddersfield and driving off.

The woman quickly summoned help and a report to the police was made.  

Hare was identified following police enquiries and arrested a few hours later, before being charged to appear before magistrates on 12 May.

A jury found him guilty of rape following a three day trial in October this year.

Alongside his sentence, Hare was also made subject of a Serious Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which will come into effect following his release.  Breach of an order can result in a further prison sentence.

Detective Constable Charlotte Pugh of the Kirklees District Adult Safeguarding Unit, said:

“This was a dreadful incident in which Hare took advantage of an obviously vulnerable woman and then committed extremely serious sexual offences against her.

“He is without doubt a dangerous sexual predator who put his victim through a terrifying ordeal.  

“Her courage in coming forward on that night and reporting what took place, allowed us to rapidly start hunting for and arrest Hare within a few hours of the offence occurring.  

“This dangerous man was charged and remanded in custody within 24 hours, meaning he has never been back on the streets from the moment he was first detained by officers.”

She added:

“We continue to urge all victims of sexual offences to contact us.  Reports can still be made even if offending took place many years ago and all reports made are thoroughly investigated with the needs of the victim at the heart of our enquiries.

“We fully appreciate how difficult it can be to come forwards and want to commend the bravery of those who report offending to us.    Their courage in coming forwards is instrumental in helping us seek just for victims and convict dangerous offenders such as Hare.”