THOMAS HAYWARD FROM MEIR SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In September 2023, Thomas Hayward, a 31-year-old resident of Meir View, Meir, was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting to a charge of rape. The conviction followed a harrowing incident that left the victim feeling 'disgusted and numb,' as she recounted her emotional trauma during the court proceedings.

Hayward's arrest and subsequent guilty plea took place during a pre-trial preparation hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. The court was informed that Hayward did not contest the charges, and he openly admitted to the offence during police interviews, acknowledging his guilt in the matter.

The victim, whose identity remains protected, provided a powerful statement describing her emotional state following the assault. She stated, 'I was traumatised. I felt disgusted and completely numb,' highlighting the profound impact the incident had on her mental well-being.

During the sentencing hearing, Rash Mohammed, representing the defendant, emphasized that Hayward accepted responsibility for his actions. He stated, 'He accepted in an interview with police that he raped his victim. I do not seek to undermine the seriousness of this crime.'

As part of his sentence, Hayward has been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for the remainder of his life, a measure that underscores the severity of his offence and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

Judge David Fletcher addressed the court, acknowledging the gravity of the offence. He remarked, 'Rape is a horrendous offence. I have read your letter explaining and I accept that you are genuinely remorseful.' The judge also noted mitigating factors, including Hayward's lack of previous convictions, his expression of remorse, and his previous good character. Based on these considerations, the judge initially set a starting point of four years and six months in prison, which was then reduced by a third due to Hayward's guilty plea, resulting in the three-year sentence handed down.

Overall, the case highlights the serious consequences faced by those convicted of sexual offences and the importance of justice for victims in the Meir and Stoke-on-Trent communities.