Bishop’s Stortford man jailed for sexual offences

A Bishop’s Stortford man has been jailed at St Albans Crown Court today (Tuesday 28 May) in connection with several sexual offences.

Wayne Rogers, now aged 48, from Plaw Hatch Close, was found guilty by unanimous verdict on 6 September last year of the following:

• Assault by penetration
• Two counts of sexual assault
• Two offences of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The offences related to one male victim and occurred in the town during the early hours of Sunday 11 September, 2022, while Rogers was posing as a woman.

Rogers has remained in custody since the verdict and was handed a 10-year sentence today. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and must abide by the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit led the investigation. She said: “I am pleased that a strong sentence has been handed down today and that this man is now behind bars.

“Rogers’ actions have had a devastating impact on the victim, his family and the wider community. No sentence will ever make up for what they have had to endure.

“I’d like to commend the victim for the bravery and dignity he has shown throughout the case, and I am grateful it has now reached a conclusion.”

She continued: “We know that male victims are often reluctant to report sexual offences. I hope this provides some reassurance that we take these cases seriously and will always provide full support and seek to bring offenders to justice.

“Being a victim of sexual assault is never your fault and we have specially trained officers on hand to help.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

In addition, anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support.

The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them.

To contact Herts SARC, call 0330 223 0099 or visit the website.