Bengeo man gaoled for sexual offences

A man has been jailed for more than 10 years after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences.

Luke Plant, 27, of Westfield Road in Hertford, was jailed for a total of 11 years following a three-week trial at St.Albans Crown Court.

Following an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team, he was jailed for nine years in connection with the following offences:

• One count of rape
• One count of digital penetration
• Two counts of sexual assault

Plant was also given two years extra extended licence after being listed as a dangerous offender, taking the total to 11 years imprisonment. He will have to serve at least two thirds of his sentence before parole will be considered.

The incidents occurred between March 2015 and January 2020, involving three different victims.

Plant was found not guilty of one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

In relation to a fourth victim, Plant was found not guilty of one count of assault by penetration and one count of attempted sexual assault.

During the trial, Judge Ian Stern KC said: "You are a predator, your behaviour is predatory and reckless and there is a high risk of you causing harm to the public."

Detective Constable Jane Swift, from the Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said: "The brave victims that have come forward deserve enormous credit for their part in getting Plant sentenced for his crimes.

"We hope that the sentencing of Plant can help bring some closure to the victims of his abhorrent crimes.

"It can be an incredibly difficult experience to report incidents of sexual offences but be assured that we take reports of these offences very seriously, and we will do everything we can to ensure that victims feel like their voices are heard and that offenders are brought to justice.

"Anyone wishing to report a sexual assault will always be treated sensitively and with respect by us. We recognise how difficult it must be but please be assured we have specially trained officers who can help you every step of the way."