Daniel Hart, 29, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the brutal rape of two vulnerable women in May. The attacks, described by police as “despicable,” occurred within hours of each other, targeting victims in their own homes.
On the night of May 14th into the early hours of May 15th, Hart entered the residence of a woman in her 70s who suffers from dementia. He forcibly dragged her into a bedroom and sexually assaulted her. Police arrived at the Dorset property in Poole at 5:15 a.m. after an emergency call. DNA evidence left at the scene quickly identified Hart as the perpetrator.
Before authorities could apprehend him, Hart committed a second attack. Later on May 15th, he approached a woman in her 40s outside her flat. She, too, was vulnerable due to disabilities. Hart forced his way into her home and raped her. Police were called to the scene around 2 p.m., discovering Hart nearby. He attempted to flee but was chased by officers back to the flat, where he jumped through a lounge window. He was arrested after the second victim positively identified him as her attacker.
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Hart pleaded guilty to both rape charges at Bournemouth Crown Court on November 3rd and received a 20-year prison sentence.
Detective Inspector Jon Sainsbury from Bournemouth CID condemned Hart’s actions, saying, “Daniel Hart’s horrific offending saw him rape two vulnerable women in their own homes. Thanks to the swift response from officers and the determined investigation, we were able to hold him accountable for his despicable crimes.”
Detectives Hele Leech-Wilkinson and Chloe Roaf worked tirelessly to build a strong case ensuring justice for the victims. Dorset police remain committed to supporting victims of sexual offenses and bringing offenders to justice.