Mr HS

Mr HS was convicted in 2017 at Swansea Crown Court of four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, four counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of attempted rape of a child under 13. He was sentenced to an extended sentence of 16 years, comprising 15 years’ imprisonment with an extended licence period of one year. 

There was a single complainant who alleged the offences occurred when she was in Mr HS’ company between 2005 and 2010. The complainant was aged 5 to 11 at the time of the alleged offences, and she disclosed the offences at the age of 15. 

The prosecution case relied on evidence from the complainant and from those to whom she had made her disclosures. Mr HS gave evidence in his defence, denying any sexual activity with the complainant, but was convicted. 

In March 2018, the Single Judge refused Mr HS permission to appeal against conviction and sentence. He did not renew his application to the Full Court.  The CCRC received an application to review the conviction in February 2023. 

During its review, the CCRC considered post-trial evidence that could significantly undermine the credibility and reliability of the complainant’s account. 

The account given by the complainant at trial was the prosecution’s main evidence in this case. Consequently, the credibility and reliability of this account was fundamental to the safety of Mr HS’ convictions. 

The CCRC found that based on this new evidence, there was a real possibility that the convictions would not be upheld and referred them to the Court of Appeal. 

The CCRC referred the convictions in January 2026.