Aaron Huggins 31

Description

A violent rapist who showed contempt for women and denied his crimes has been jailed for 15 years, with an additional two-year extension on licence due to the danger he poses to the public.

Aaron Huggins, 31, of Little Horton Lane, Bradford, was described as a "Jekyll and Hyde" figure who hid his dark side, which included strangling, kicking, and stamping on a victim while raping her multiple times in attacks involving "an element of degradation."

A jury found him guilty of rape and other offences after a trial.

In a statement read to Bradford Crown Court, the victim described suffering flashbacks, sleeping no more than four hours a night, and needing anxiety medication. She felt isolated and unsafe in her own home.

Huggins had prior convictions, including robbery and a 2020 grievous bodily harm offence for which he served three years in prison.

In mitigation, barrister Christopher Dunne said Huggins was "intrinsic and important" to his family, adding: "It’s almost like a Jekyll and Hyde picture … and I suspect that that goes for any one of us. We all have masks that we wear in public and private. There’s more than one facet to a person’s personality or character. That was never more obvious than when one reads the references in this case. He is not all bad."

Mr Dunne noted Huggins' "very ancient and negative attitude towards women," and while he was not remorseful due to denying the offences, "this is not a man who is completely lost and without hope."

Her Honour Judge Sophie McKone said Huggins' trial evidence revealed his desire to dominate and control his victim through violence, and he spoke of women "in the most derogatory and insulting terms."

Addressing Huggins via video link from HMP Leeds, she said: "This is another indication of your contempt for women. I have read a number of references from your family and friends. You obviously show to them a very different side to your personality. You’re described as Jekyll and Hyde. That is perhaps a good characterisation of you."

She added: "You do in my view present a significant risk of harm to the public. You are in my view dangerous. You have no insight into the way you have behaved."

Judge McKone explained: "In my view a determinate sentence of 15 years imprisonment would not address fully the risk that you currently represent and will do so in the future."

Huggins must register as a sex offender for life.