Double rapist learns destiny after attacking dementia sufferer and girl on identical day

A double rapist who attacked two women, one who had dementia, in their own homes on the same day has been jailed for 20 years.

Daniel Hart, 29, first entered the home of a woman aged in her 70s during the night of May 14/15 this year. He dragged his vulnerable victim, who suffers from dementia, into the bedroom where he raped her in a sick and horrifying attack.

Police were called to the home in Poole, Dorset, at 5.15am to discover that Hart was the attacker through his DNA left at the crime scene. However, before officers found him, Hart went on to attack his second victim, a woman aged in her 40s.

The sick rapist approached her outside her flat and forced her inside before raping her. Police were called to the property at about 2pm on May 15 and found Hart nearby. Police chased him back to the flat where he jumped into the property through the lounge window.

Hart was arrested at the scene and was confirmed by the victim – who was also a vulnerable woman with disabilities – to be the man who had raped her.

Hart was charged with the rape of both women and pleaded guilty when he appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday. He was jailed by a judge for 20 years.

Detective Inspector Jon Sainsbury, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Daniel Hart’s horrific offending saw him rape two vulnerable women in their own homes.

“Thanks to the swift response from officers on the day and a thorough and determined investigation by detectives afterwards, we were able to hold him to account for his despicable crimes.

“When it became apparent both matters involved the same suspect, Detective Constable Hele Leech-Wilkinson and Detective Constable Chloe Roaf worked diligently together to build the case against Hart and ensure he faced justice.

“Our officers will continue to support victims of rape and sexual offences and are absolutely committed to identifying those responsible and taking robust action against them.”