"Dangerous" sex offender Declan Higgins caught within hours of wicked attack on woman at Sheffield property
"Without the bravery of the victim in this case, a dangerous man like Higgins would still be on the streets”
A victim's quick and courageous report of a sexual assault at a Sheffield property has led to a dangerous man being taken off the streets.
Declan Higgins struck at a property in the Lowfields area of the city, subjecting a woman in her 20s to a shocking sex attack in the early hours of the morning.
In the wake of the sexual assault, the complainant - who is entitled to lifelong anonymity - took audio recordings.
The recordings, along with the description she provided to police a short time after the attack, led to officers catching him that night.
Other people in the property also provided information about Higgins which assisted with the investigation.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “When questioned about the brave account given by the victim, Higgins refused to comment in police interviews.
“He also remained silent when faced with audio recordings which had captured the moments following the assault.”
Higgins, aged 37, was subsequently charged with assaulting a female by penetration with a part of body / a thing.
Still denying any responsibility, Higgins pleaded not guilty, forcing the victim to relive the harrowing experience at trial.
However, following a three-day trial in May 2026, a jury saw through his lies and found him guilty.
Appearing at Sheffield Crown Court on September 10, 2026, Higgins, of Great Close, Grantham, was jailed for seven years and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Speaking after Higgins was jailed, Detective Constable Chloe Kirk said: “Without the bravery of the victim in this case, a dangerous man like Higgins would still be on the streets.
“I would like to commend the victim, for not only her courage in reporting this to us, but also the strength she showed during the court proceedings."
"We take all reports of sexual offences seriously. If you have been raped, sexually assaulted, or sexually harassed, you can report to us in confidence online or by calling 101.
“If you don't feel able to report to police in one of these ways, try and talk to someone you trust. You can also seek specialist and confidential support via the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line."