Darren Harbut, who was 38 years old when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court, was handed a 14-year extended sentence after being convicted of a violent rape, assault, and repeated stalking offences against a female victim.
The prosecution revealed that Harbut, who was employed at a laser tattoo removal studio in Portsmouth and held personal links across Portchester, Fareham, and Southsea, carried out the offences whilst on licence following early release from prison for burglary and stalking a different woman.
The court heard that Harbut subjected the victim to a violent rape inside her home address in Portchester, inflicting widespread bruising and severe emotional trauma.
Following the attack, Harbut embarked on a campaign of intimidation, stealing the victim’s dogs and subjecting her to an assault by beating.
Although the courts intervened by granting a protective restraining order, Harbut rapidly violated its terms.
He tracked down the victim in public, concealed himself behind bushes to stalk her for 40 minutes, and stole another dog to maintain control over her.
At Swindon Crown Court, the presiding judge classified Harbut as a dangerous offender whose history of predatory behaviour warranted an extended sentence:
- Nine years’ imprisonment for rape
- One year concurrent for breach of a restraining order
- Five-year extended licence period
Following his incarceration, Harbut has reportedly exploited the initial lack of news reporting to lie to other prisoners regarding the reasons for his detention, concealing his convictions for rape and domestic abuse.
Release Calculation: Under UK sentencing legislation governing extended determinate sentences for dangerous offenders, Harbut is required to serve at least two-thirds (six years / 72 months) of his nine-year custodial term before he can submit an application to the Parole Board for early release. The Parole Board will determine whether he continues to pose a risk to the public. If directed for release, Harbut will remain subject to licence conditions for the remainder of the nine years plus the entirety of the five-year extended licence, meaning statutory oversight will continue until the 14-year term expires.
Image Credit – Anonymous Artist impression
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