AIDAN HACKETT AND SHOCKING RAPE INCIDENT IN WAKEFIELD
In a disturbing case that has shaken the community, Lance Corporal Aidan Hackett, aged 27, was sentenced to over five years in prison after committing a grievous sexual assault on a woman he met in Oxford.The incident took place following a night out in June 2019, when Hackett encountered the woman at a nightclub in Oxford city.
The two then traveled together in a taxi back to his residence at St David's Barracks located in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
According to reports, the victim, who was also in her twenties, had expressed her desire to simply listen to music and spend time together without any sexual activity.
Despite her clear boundaries, Hackett proceeded to remove her clothing while she was sleeping, which she only became aware of upon waking.
The assault was carried out while she was unconscious, an act that has been described as a grave violation of her trust and bodily autonomy.
Immediately after the incident, the victim fled from Hackett’s premises and promptly contacted the police.
The very next day, Hackett was arrested by authorities, and on August 4, 2023, Thames Valley Police formally charged him with rape.
Hackett, originally from Leeds in West Yorkshire, quickly entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity, avoiding the lengthy ordeal of a trial.
He appeared before Oxford Crown Court where justice was served with a sentence of five years and three months behind bars.
Detective Constable Tania Wasilewski-Norman, who is part of the Oxford CID team, described the case as a deeply shocking example of exploitation.
She emphasized that Hackett exploited the victim’s trust and took advantage of her vulnerability while she was asleep.
According to her, the victim’s immediate response to the assault—calling the police—was crucial in securing the evidence needed for conviction.
Medical examinations conducted during the investigation played a vital role in confirming the assault had occurred, strengthening the case against Hackett.
The detective expressed a firm stance against such offenses, stating, “Taking advantage of a woman who was sleeping, and therefore in a vulnerable position, is completely unacceptable.
The victim was asleep, and it is absolutely clear that there was no consent whatsoever in this case.” She reaffirmed the police commitment to supporting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Supporting the victim through a long two-year investigative process was Detective Constable Nikki Lawton of Aylesbury police station, who is trained in victim support.
Lawton praised the victim’s resilience and courage throughout the ordeal.
She remarked, “The victim in this case has been a true inspiration, and I hope she will be for other victims of this type of crime.
Despite missing many opportunities during the lengthy investigation, her determination helped secure justice.
I want to assure future victims that they will always be heard, believed, and supported.
It is never acceptable to suffer such offenses in silence.
Report it, and a thorough investigation will follow.” As part of his sentence, Hackett will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
An official Army statement confirmed his conviction, stating, “We can confirm that Lance Corporal Hackett was convicted of rape at Oxford Crown Court.
He was sentenced to five years and three months imprisonment and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.” This case underscores the gravity of sexual offenses and the ongoing efforts by authorities and institutions to tackle such crimes and ensure justice for victims.
