Stefan Hague, a 33-year-old man, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of nine years for subjecting a woman to a horrific ordeal in her own home. The incident occurred on June 25 when Hague forcefully entered the victim’s home in Peterborough and refused to leave.

Once inside, Hague locked the door and launched a brutal attack on the woman. He punched, kicked, and repeatedly stamped on her head and body before committing the heinous act of rape. The victim’s screams were captured by neighbouring video doorbells, prompting a call to the police. Unfortunately, Hague managed to flee just moments before officers arrived.

When authorities discovered the victim, she was hunched over, covered in blood, with significant swelling to her face and blood-soaked hair. She was immediately taken to the hospital while a manhunt for Hague commenced. Cambridgeshire officers eventually located him in Greater Manchester, still covered in the victim’s blood, and promptly arrested him. Throughout the arrest, Hague repeatedly admitted his guilt, saying, “I’m guilty, I’m guilty.”

Hague, who had previously been convicted of rape in Manchester, went on to plead guilty to several charges related to the attack, including rape, attempted rape, grievous bodily harm with intent, and failing to comply with the Sex Offenders Register. On Thursday at Cambridge Crown Court, he received a life sentence with a minimum term of nine years and three months before being eligible for parole.

Detective Sergeant Matt Lauch, who led the investigation, expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, stating, “Hague is an extremely dangerous individual, especially towards women, and I am pleased that he has been held accountable for his horrific crimes. The victim has shown incredible strength throughout this traumatic experience, and I commend her for supporting this prosecution. I hope that this outcome brings her some closure.”

Authorities want survivors of sexual violence to know that they can rely on the support of the police and other partner agencies throughout the investigation and criminal justice process. Cambridgeshire Constabulary offers support options for victims of serious sexual offences on their rape and sexual assault page.