Predator Ethan Hare Receives Extended 15-Year Sentence for Birthday Attack
A dangerous sexual predator who lured a vulnerable woman into his car as she walked home from her birthday celebration has been handed an extended 15-year prison sentence. Ethan Hare, 40, of Ashfield Drive in Halifax, deliberately targeted the victim when she was disorientated, distressed, alone and intoxicated.
Grim Twist of Fate Leads to Horrific Ordeal
The court heard how the woman had been celebrating her birthday at Camel Club in Huddersfield before beginning her walk home. "She was on Leeds Road when she fell over a metal wire on the pavement," prosecutor Benjamin Bell told Leeds Crown Court. "She was pulled up by a man in a blue Ford Focus who asked if she wanted a lift home."
The woman accepted the offer from the stranger, who was later identified as Hare. Once inside the vehicle, Hare engaged her in conversation, asking her age and name. When she revealed it had been her birthday, he commented that she looked much younger. The victim then noticed his trousers were already open before he proceeded to rape her twice during the journey.
Victim's Trauma and Immediate Aftermath
During the horrific attack, the woman "let it happen out of fear," according to court testimony. After the sexual assaults, Hare dropped his victim at Cooper Bridge petrol station, telling her he needed to return to his wife and children. The traumatized woman then bravely flagged down a taxi, whose driver immediately assisted her and contacted the police.
West Yorkshire Police officers arrested Hare within 24 hours of the offense. When questioned, Hare claimed the sexual encounter had been consensual, stating the woman had approached his vehicle and they had engaged in sexual activity during the journey.
Devastating Impact on Victim's Life
A victim impact statement read in court revealed the profound psychological damage caused by the attack. "Her anxiety has worsened severely," Mr. Bell told the hearing. "She has not been to Huddersfield since the incident. It has affected her relationship with her partner, and she no longer enjoys physical affection."
The statement further detailed how the woman no longer meets with friends, has been unable to work full shifts, and experiences significant difficulty leaving her home. The psychological trauma has fundamentally altered her daily existence and personal relationships.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
Mrs. Recorder Turner imposed an extended sentence of 15 years, comprising ten years in custody followed by an extended licence period of five years. Hare must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term before being considered for parole.
Addressing the defendant directly, the judge stated: "You lured her into your vehicle under the pretence of a kindly act of a lift home. You were plainly trawling for sexual activity. I am satisfied you targeted someone you considered to be vulnerable. She was somewhat disorientated, distressed, alone and drunk."
Defense Arguments and Police Response
During mitigation, defense counsel Mohammed Rafiq described Hare as having led a "generally law-abiding life" with a 22-year relationship, two children, and a scrap business supporting his family. Rafiq acknowledged the traumatic experience for the complainant while emphasizing the relatively short duration of the incident.
Detective Constable Charlotte Pugh of West Yorkshire Police commented following sentencing: "This was a dreadful incident in which Hare took advantage of an obviously vulnerable woman and committed extremely serious sexual offences. He is without doubt a dangerous sexual predator who put his victim through a terrifying ordeal."
The detective praised the victim's courage in coming forward immediately, which enabled rapid police investigation and arrest. Hare was found guilty of two counts of rape following a trial at Leeds Crown Court last year, despite his claims of consensual activity.
While Hare had previous convictions for theft and motoring offenses, none were of a sexual nature prior to this attack. The court heard that his family members had visited him regularly while on remand, with his partner indicating she would continue supporting him despite the lengthy prison sentence ahead.
