Rapist Stefan Hague repeatedly declared “I’m guilty, I’m guilty” when police arrived at his Manchester home and found him still covered in blood from his Peterborough victim. Hague will spend the next nine years at least in prison after being handed a life sentence.
The convicted rapist subjected a woman to a horrific ordeal in her own home, a court heard.
Hague, 33, of Hyde, Greater Manchester, barged through the door at the victim’s Peterborough home and refused to leave.
Instead, he locked the door and launched a brutal attack on the woman, punching and kicking her as she lay on the floor, as well as stamping on her head and body repeatedly, before raping her.
The victim’s screams could be heard on neighbouring video doorbells which resulted in the police being called, but Hague managed to flee the scene just three minutes before officers arrived.
They rushed to the victim’s aid and found her hunched over covered in blood, with blood-soaked hair and extensive swelling to her face.
The victim was taken to hospital; meanwhile a manhunt for Hague got underway and Cambridgeshire officers located him at an address in Greater Manchester still covered in the victim’s blood.
And while they arrested him, he repeatedly declared: “I’m guilty, I’m guilty”.
Hague went on to plead guilty to a string of charges against the woman which included rape, attempt to rape, grievous bodily harm with intent and failing to comply with the sex offenders register at a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court in July.
Today, (7 December) at the same court, Hague, of Hollingworth, Hyde, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to life and told he must serve a minimum of nine years and three months before he can apply for parole.
Detective Sergeant Matt Lauch said: “Hague is an extremely dangerous individual, especially towards women, and I am pleased he has now been sentenced for his horrific crimes against the victim.
“This case has been extremely traumatic for the victim, and I would like to commend her strength in supporting this prosecution and I hope this outcome brings some closure for them.
“I also hope Hague’s conviction will reiterate we will always investigate thoroughly and do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice.”
Survivors of sexual violence can have confidence the police and other partner agencies will support them throughout the investigation and criminal justice process.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a serious sexual offence, there are support options available on Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s rape and sexual assault page.