In a significant development at the St. Albans Crown Court yesterday, Alec Housden, a 60-year-old resident of Kingsbury Gardens in Dunstable, faced the consequences of his abhorrent actions. Housden, who had already pleaded guilty to two disturbing sexual assaults and kidnappings dating back to the early 2000s in Harpenden, appeared in court to face trial for an additional charge of kidnapping related to an incident from 2004.

This long-awaited legal proceeding unfolded on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, as Housden stood accused of kidnapping a 12-year-old girl in Harpenden on Wednesday, March 17, 2004. However, a crucial turn of events during the trial led to an unexpected conclusion.

In June 2023, Housden had admitted to the chilling abduction of a 16-year-old girl from Piggottshill Lane, Harpenden, which transpired on Sunday, August 7, 2002, along with the horrifying act of indecent assault. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to another kidnapping and indecent assault that took place at the same location on Wednesday, June 19, 2002.

In a surprising ruling during proceedings, the judge decided that the prosecution could not present Housden’s 2002 admissions as part of the case for the 2004 kidnapping charge. As a result of this legal decision, the Crown offered no further evidence, leading to a not guilty verdict on the 2004 charge.

Despite this unexpected turn, Housden’s legal troubles are far from over. He will remain remanded in custody and is scheduled to face sentencing on Monday, December 18, as confirmed by the presiding judge, who emphasised that a lengthy prison sentence awaits the convicted individual.

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, representing the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, provided insight into the tireless efforts of law enforcement. She stated, “The investigation into the kidnaps and two serious sexual assaults was never closed, and we have remained in contact with the victims.” Detective Inspector Jenkins continued, “During a review of the investigation in June 2022, we re-visited all the evidence, including forensic evidence. In April 2023, Housden was arrested, and a DNA match was confirmed for the 2002 offences. With such overwhelming evidence, we were able to get Housden before the courts and be accountable for his abhorrent actions.”