Jake Hardstaff

A paedophile has been found guilty of 27 sexual offences, including 10 counts of rape, two of which were of children aged 13 years and younger, dating back to June 2019.

Jake Hardstaff, 35, of Maple Road, Boston, pleaded not guilty to all allegations brought by four separate victims, including one adult and three (female) children, one of which was only nine years old when the abuse started.

Following a 14-day trial at Lincoln Crown Court, which concluded on Thursday 22 October, Hardstaff was found guilty of multiple sexual offences which took place between June 2019 and June 2024:

– Cause / incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity – no penetration x 3 counts

– Rape a child under 13 x 2 counts

– Assault a child under 13 by penetration x 3 counts

– Rape a woman 16 years of age or over x 8 counts

– Assault by penetration x 2 counts

– Sexual assault on a female x 7 counts

– Cause person to engage in sexual activity without consent x 1 count

– Engage in controlling / coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship x 1 count

– He was found not guilty of three counts of rape and one count of controlling / coercive behaviour.

The court heard how Hardstaff’s courageous victims had come forward, each describing years of vile physical and emotional abuse at the hands of the predator.

There were disclosures of long-term sexual abuse, of how he had incited his young victims to engage in sexual contact with him.

“He has done such a sadistic, sickening thing” one witness said.

Hardstaff was remanded into custody to await sentencing which is currently scheduled for 25 November 2026.