Overview

• Private John Harvey attacked a lone woman in Shrewsbury town centre on July 6, 2024, raping her twice over a 20-minute ordeal.
• He was arrested hiding in a cubicle at Shrewsbury railway station at about 6.30 am and initially confessed during a police interview.
• Despite his admissions, Harvey pleaded not guilty at a nine-day trial, requiring the victim to relive her assault in court.
• The victim told the court she developed post-traumatic stress disorder and now feels unsafe walking outside her home.
• Judge Richard McConaghy cited Harvey’s intoxication and the woman’s vulnerability as aggravating factors when handing down the sentence.