ZAC PORTER-HARRIS

BEDFORD MAN JAILED FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL ASSAULT

Zac Porter-Harris, a 34-year-old man from Bedford, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses against the same woman.

He was found guilty at Luton Crown Court on Friday 18 July for two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault.

The crime included an incident where he unlawfully entered her home under false pretenses and ignored her pleas to leave.

Additionally, he will face an indefinite restraining order and will be registered on the Sex Offenders Register.

Detective Sergeant Joanna Tyrrell of Bedfordshire Police, who led the investigation, stated: “Porter-Harris undertook a prolonged campaign of predatory and abusive behavior towards the victim, who he socialized with.

Despite establishing clear boundaries, he continued to pursue and target her for his own gratification.” She emphasized the importance of supporting victims and praised the courage of the woman who cooperated throughout a four-year legal process.

The victim shared her experience, saying: “I feel numb about what he did; I’ve tried to suppress it and haven’t properly dealt with it.

I was reluctant to speak out because I worried about the effects physically and mentally.” The sentenced offender will serve a prison term of eight years and is also subject to additional legal restrictions to protect the victim.