Description
21-year-old Bailey Harding has been jailed for sexual offences against a teenage girl.
Harding, who was 17 when the offending began, abused the victim over a period of 18 months. The victim, a girl known to Harding, was just 14 at the time the abuse began. In January 2024 the victim contacted police and disclosed offences of rape, sexual assault, being strangled and being threatened at knifepoint.
Harding was swiftly arrested, and during a subsequent search of his room two large zombie-style knives were found and seized. In interview he denied all accusations, and claimed the victim was making malicious allegations against him.
Following a trial in July, he was convicted of:
- One count of rape
- Three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15
- One count of intentional strangulation
- One count of threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a private place
- Controlling and coercive behaviour
On Friday, 25 September Harding, (26/03/2005), of Bookham, was jailed for four years and six months at Chichester Crown Court. He was also issued a seven-year restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The victim is now an adult, but the effects of Harding’s abuse continue to seep into her life. She said, “I often feel as if I can see him in big crowds or in dark places” and described regularly changing her appearance so he wouldn’t recognise her if she ever saw him in public. She reflects on how he used the fact that he was older and stronger to control her, and how “I felt he was my saviour but ultimately he was my tormentor.” She told the court that “I haven’t slept peacefully in two and half years.”
Investigating officer DC Helen Cridge said:
“I would like to recognise the victim’s remarkable courage in coming forward while she was still an extremely vulnerable child. Her strength and determination have been inspiring, and her actions have played a vital role in securing this result. I hope her bravery gives others experiencing abuse the confidence to come forward, knowing that they will be listened to and that they are not alone.”
Urging others experiencing similar offences to come forward the victim said, “I know how hard it can be to speak about something that has happened to you, especially when that person has made you feel like you should stay quiet. But please don’t be afraid to speak out. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your voice doesn’t matter, and don’t let anyone take it away from you.”