Search results for Southampton

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A controlling and abusive man has today been jailed for 10 years for the rape and assault of a former partner.

Levi Slack-Smith deliberately isolated the woman, who he was in a relationship with at the time, from her friends.

He would threaten to send intimate photos of her to people she knew, make derogatory and aggressive comments towards her, and when she tried to break up with him he assaulted her.

A court heard the 21-year-old would hit and kick the woman, and strangled her on multiple occasions - including one incident where he caused her to pass out.

It was also heard Slack-Smith had raped her on multiple occasions during their relationship.

At Portsmouth Crown Court, he was convicted, following a trial, of four counts of rape, and five of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Slack-Smith, of Thorndike Close, Southampton, had also previously pleaded guilty to malicious communications and making threats to disclose private sexual photographs.

As part of his controlling and obsessive behaviour, he disliked her going anywhere without him and would repeatedly blame her for his actions, including telling her "I don't know why you do this to me" after he had kicked her down the stairs.

In a statement read at court today, she said:

"There are so many things Levi has said and done to me which shows he has no respect for women, or any human being at all. He raped me, beat me, spat at me, degraded and abused me in every possible way he could. He tried to destroy me and my life.

"Since the trial, I have felt a huge sense of relief knowing that he was found guilty and remanded. I have been able to go out by myself and I have gone back to college to do what I always wanted to do and hopefully one day I will fulfil my dreams.

"I want to thank everyone who has helped me throughout, especially my ISVA (independent sexual violence advisor), who was there for me and helped me out so much. I can’t thank the police officers enough – it may have taken a while but we got there and got the best possible outcome – thank you."

He was also sentenced today for a dangerous driving offence, after officers pursued him in a car with cloned plates near his home - reaching speeds of up to 60mph - and arrested him on February 13, this year.

Judge Daniel Sawyer today jailed Slack-Smith for 10 years and five months, telling him:

"This ‘relationship’ had almost the entire range of abuse – sexual, violent and emotional abuse.

"Two of the ABHs involved strangulation. It is shockingly dangerous and can lead to sudden unpredictable death. It is a uniquely terrifying form of abuse and the biggest red flag there can be in terms of domestic violence.

"The court looks extremely seriously on this violence. In terms of harm there was undoubtedly severe psychological harm here."

Speaking after the sentencing, investigating officer PSI Rebecca Stevens said:

"Levi Slack-Smith is a vile and reprehensible man, who has no respect for women and refuses to take ownership of his own behaviour and actions.

"Thanks to the immense courage shown by the woman in this case, he now has plenty of time to contemplate those actions, and he is not able to pose a threat to any other women."

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A vile and cruel man has been jailed for eight years for raping a woman in Southampton.

Jack Stott carried out the twisted attack on her at an address in the Swaythling area of the city in December last year.

A court heard the 23-year-old, of Orion Close, Southampton, had repeatedly ignored the woman's pleas for him to stop as he forced himself upon her.

In an exchange of messages after the incident, Stott admitted to the attack when confronted about it, telling her he didn't know why he had done it.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday (9 December), he was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to rape.
In addition to the time he will now spend behind bars, the judge also ordered Stott be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting 15 years, must remain on the Sex

Offenders Register for life, and serve an extended four years on licence following his release from prison.

As he was taken away to begin his prison sentence, Stott showed his true colours, as he directed threats towards his victim in the court room.

Detective Constable Rebecca Grannon, who led the investigation, said:

“I want to pay tribute to the bravery of the woman in this case. Coming forward after such a distressing experience takes immense strength, and her continued support throughout our investigation has been vital in securing this outcome.

“While no sentence can undo the harm caused, I hope this result provides her with some sense of closure. It also sends a clear message that sexual violence will never be tolerated in our communities.

“Survivors can be assured that if they come forward, they will be listened to, believed, and supported while we investigate thoroughly to bring offenders before the courts.

“Stott is a vile and cruel man whose behaviour in court, including threats towards the victim, showed his utter disregard for others. I am glad that justice has been delivered in this case, and he will now face the consequences of his crimes away from society.

“This sentence not only holds him accountable for his actions but also protects our community from further harm. Jack Stott is a dangerous individual who cannot be trusted, and the public should feel reassured that he is where he belongs”

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A convicted sex offender has been jailed for breaching the terms of his court order.

Carl Bray, 46, of Union Road, Southampton, was convicted in October 2023 of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child. 

As a result he was given a 15 month sentence suspended for 24 months and placed under an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In September, officers examined his electronic devices to check he was complying with this order.

Officers found he had been downloading social media applications Snapchat, Telegram, TikTok and Zangi, using them to communicate online with unknown people, and then deleting them again to hide the evidence.

A search of his property was conducted and officers found two further devices he was not permitted to have.

Bray was charged with breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order and breaches of Sex Offender Register requirements. He was sentenced today (18/11) to 21 months imprisonment at Southampton Crown Court.

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A 37 year-old man from Southampton has been jailed for five years and seven months after sending grossly explicit messages to a child. 

James Oak, of Winchester Road, plead guilty and was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court last Friday (7 November) .

The offences for which he has been imprisoned took place in October this year, with Oak sending the victim a series of sexually explicit messages, including requests for her to send sexual images, meet him in person, and perform sexual acts.

The victim was just 12 years-old at the time of the incident.

Oak received a five year and seven month sentence for inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and further 12-month sentence for sexual communication with a child, which will be served concurrently.

As well as the time he will now spend behind bars, Oak has also been made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restraining order and notification of requirement to register with the police, in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act (2003). He will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

PC Jen Grace who led the investigation, said:

“Oaks sentencing marks the end of an incredibly difficult chapter for a brave young girl and her family. The strength and courage she has shown throughout this investigation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the trauma she endured, she found resolve to speak out, to stand firm and to help bring her abuser to justice.   

“While this sentencing won’t erase this awful experience, I hope it can offer her and her loved ones some closure and relief. James Oak is now behind bars, where he belongs, and can no longer pose a threat to any other child.

“I’d also like to commend the officers and staff who worked tirelessly on this case. Their dedication has ensured that a predatory individual has been removed from our community.

“To anyone who may be suffering in silence, please know that you are not alone. Your voice matters - We will listen, we will support you, and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice.”

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A 33-year-old man from Bursledon has been sentenced to six life sentences, with a minimum term of 16 years, for four counts of rape of a boy aged under 13, and two counts of rape of a girl aged under 13.

Kieran Bond, of Oak Road, who was found guilty following a trial at Southampton Crown Court in July, was sentenced at the same court on Monday (29 September).

The offences took place between 2018 and 2021. As well as the time Bond will now serve in prison, he has also been made subject to the sex offenders register and restraining orders.

Detective Sergeant Heather Tack, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“I’d like to place on record my praise and admiration for the very young victims in this case and the courage and determination they have shown throughout, supported by their family members.

“While I know this result won’t rid the victims and their family members of the memories of what Bond did, I truly hope it allows them to move forward, safe in the knowledge that he is now being punished for his crimes and can no longer repeat his offending.”

The victims in this case have been supported by the Child Abuse Team, including the officer in charge DC Dawn Capper, who work tirelessly to secure justice for these victims and safeguard other children.

Directly addressing other victims of sex offences, Detective Sergeant Tack, said:

“We encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us. We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and work hard to bring offenders to justice.

“This case should also be a very clear message to other offenders out there that we will always work tirelessly to ensure you are brought to justice for your crimes, no matter when they took place.”

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A man has been jailed after being found guilty of non-recent sexual offences against a girl.

Levent Joshua Cetin was convicted two counts of rape of a girl under 13, and one count of sexual assault, on Friday 12 September, following a trial at Southampton Crown Court.

The 27-year-old, of New Road, Southampton, was jailed for two years and six months at a sentence hearing at the same court on Friday 24 October.

The court heard that the offences related offences against a girl known to him between 2011 and 2017. They took place in the Romsey area.

The incidents were reported to police in March 2021 and an investigation got underway.

At the hearing, Cetin was also made subject of a seven-year sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order for life.

He was also put on the sexual offenders register for life.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Iain Howard said:

“The victim in this case has had to live with the memory of Cetin’s awful offending for some time.

“I would like to commend her for the bravery and patience she has shown through the investigation and court process.

“We want to encourage anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse to come forward, regardless of when the offence took place.”

Description

A former teacher at a school in Southampton has been jailed after admitting non-recent sexual offences against three teenage girls.

Leo Norman, of Peartree Avenue, Southampton, was jailed for 14 months at a sentence hearing today (Friday 17 October) at Portsmouth Crown Court.

The 46-year-old was a teacher at St Anne’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College at the time of the offences, which took place between 2014 and 2019.

Norman had pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a girl 13 to 17 - adult abuse of position of trust, at a previous hearing at the same court on Monday 11 August.

Two impact statements were read out in court. They were from two of the women who were abused by Norman when they were teenage girls at the school, and they detailed the impact of Norman’s offending.

The court heard that some of the offending involved sexual touching which had taken place on school premises, including in Norman’s office. He had also made inappropriate comments to then pupils, which left them feeling uncomfortable.

An investigation was carried out by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s specialist Operation Marmion team, who investigate allegations of non-recent sexual abuse perpetrated within institutions or by people of prominence.

At the sentence hearing, Norman was put on the sexual offenders register and made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years.

Detective Constable Laura Hardie said:

“This is a shocking case where a teacher has abused his position of trust to sexually abuse three teenage girls. These offences took place on separate occasions over a period of a number of years.

“I want to commend the women in this case for the bravery they have shown in talking to police and recounting their experience. In doing so, they have helped bring Norman to justice.

“We know how difficult reporting incidents of this nature can be, and I hope this case shows that no matter when the offence took place, you will be listened to and the matter will be investigated thoroughly.

“As a survivor of sexual abuse, you are also entitled to support whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you’re feeling and what you decide to do next.”

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A 23-year-old man has been jailed for six years for the rape of a woman in Colden Common in 2021. 
 
Lewis Dean Pearce, of Gort Crescent in Southampton, appeared before Guildford Crown Court today (1 October) having been found guilty of rape on 6th August 2025 after a four day trial.
 
The court heard how on 25 April 2021, the victim, a woman in her 20s, was staying at a friend’s address on Elder Green when she woke to find Pearce having sex with her. 
 
Pearce was charged with rape in February 2024.
 
DC Jack Droy, from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Criminal Investigations Department, said:

“I would firstly like to commend the victim’s bravery and tenacity in this case. This has been a long investigation, and I would like to thank her for her support during the investigation and court process. I hope this result is able to bring her some closure.
 
“Pearce’s actions that night are intolerable, targeting a woman as she sleeps is not acceptable and we will work tirelessly to bring these types of predatory offenders to justice. 
 
“We take all allegations of rape and sexual assault seriously, and have specially trained teams that can investigate these offences and provide support to victims. If you have experienced these kinds of offences, it is our promise to you that you will be heard and listened to, and your report will be believed. We are determined to put victims first and relentlessly pursue offenders.” 

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A Southampton man has been jailed for repeatedly downloading indecent images of children and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Jason Ullett, 55, and of Rownhams Road, was investigated by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Internet Child Abuse Investigation Team (ICAT).

Over the course of the investigation, officers unearthed more than 6,600 pictures and videos of children being abused. 976 of these were category A – the most severe category.

In addition to this, Ullett was also found in possession of extreme imagery showing animal porn, and people and animals being tortured.

Ullett was arrested three times between August 2024 and January 2025, with police seizing 40 digital devices containing the indecent images.

Police began investigating Ullett on 22 March 2024, before conducting a warrant at his address on 18 August that year. A number of devices were seized that police were not aware he had. He was required, under the conditions of a SHPO previously imposed by the courts, to make police aware of any new devices.

Some of the devices were locked or password protected – a further breach of his SHPO.

In January this year police were notified that Ullett was driving whilst uninsured. Police seized Ullett’s vehicle, but he refused to hand over the car key, telling officers he was going to make their lives ‘as difficult as possible’.

Access was gained to the vehicle nonetheless and a laptop was found inside and seized by officers.

The same month, Ullett purchased another vehicle but didn’t tax it. When he was stopped behind the wheel, officers found a further laptop and mobile phone which were not declared to police. These were subsequently seized, along with the car.

Following a thorough investigation into all of Ullett’s devices, he was charged with three counts of possessing indecent images of children, possessing extreme images, and four counts of breaching his SHPO.

He denied all of the offences, and the case went to trial at Southampton Crown Court on 29 July this year where he was convicted on all counts.

Appearing at the same court today (Wednesday 10 September), he was jailed for four and a half years.

DC Darren Hemingway-Guy, from ICAT, said:

“Investigations into online child sex offences can be incredibly lengthy and complex, as well as some of the most harrowing that police can investigate.

“Ullett deliberately tried to make police efforts more difficult by refusing to provide information or physical items to officers, and even himself said he would make our lives difficult.

“This did not dissuade ICAT officers of course, who relentlessly made efforts to visit his address, conduct warrants, seize his vehicles and take all of his digital devices, before conducting the painstaking task of downloading, reviewing and grading all of the material contained on those devices.

“Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Ullett still denied having broken the law. The jury were fortunately able to see through his denials, and he has now been convicted and brought to justice.”

Description

A 43-year-old man from Southampton has been jailed for ten years for two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

Shane Allen, of Graham Street, who was found guilty at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday 3 July, was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday (2 September).

The offences, for which he has been imprisoned, took place in Hythe between Saturday 13 November 2021 and Saturday 16 July 2022.

The victim was six years of age at the time of the incidents.

As well as the time he will now spend behind bars, Allen has also been made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restraining order and notification of requirement to register with the police, in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act (2003)

Trainee Detective Constable Elliot Thorne, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team (West), said:

“I am pleased for the young victim in this case that justice has now been served for them and their family, and that Allen has now been placed behind bars for a significant period of time.

“I’d like to place on record my praise and admiration for the very young victim in this case and the courage and determination they have shown throughout, supported by their family.

“Additionally, I’d like thank everyone who has been involved in this case, helping to secure this outcome. Their support and hard work during the investigation has ensured a dangerous man is now locked away and no longer able to harm any other child.

“While I know this result won’t rid the victim and their family of the memories of what Allen did, I truly hope it allows them to move forward, safe in the knowledge that he has now been punished for his crimes and can no longer repeat his offending.’

Directly addressing other victims of sex offences, Trainee DC Thorne, said:

“I really hope this sentence will reassure victims, both children and adults, that they will be listened to when reporting similar incidents to us.

“We encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us. We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and work hard to bring offenders to justice, as this case hopefully again evidences.

“This case should also be a very clear message to other offenders out there that we will always work tirelessly to ensure you are brought to justice for your crimes.”

Description

A pervert used hidden cameras to film a young boy, Southampton Crown Court heard.

Scott Sharman secretly filmed a pre-teen child undressing and bathing, but later denied knowledge of the technology, telling police he could not remember doing it.

His offending emerged after indecent images were found on his mobile phone.

Prosecutor Keely Harvey said the images, reported to police, included children as young as a few weeks old... on the defendants phone.

The 39-year-old was arrested at home, his phone seized.

Ms Harvey said: The defendant told police he liked younger men and had, as he described it, a little problem. But the pictures showed children in their first few weeks of infancy.

It was at this point the officers were still looking on his phone when they saw still and moving images of the... boy.

It came to light the defendant had set up a hidden camera which filmed the boy getting dressed and undressed.

On one occasion, Sharman touched the boy over his groin and private area and filmed it, Ms Harvey said.

When the boy caught Sharman filming him urinating behind a bush, he told him to go away and said what he was doing was paedophilic.

In his second interview, Sharman denied filming the boy, claiming videos and images were taken accidentally, and said: He said he was not sexually interested in young boys.

Defence lawyer Stephen Tricker said Sharman struggled after his marriage breakdown and is an isolated man.

He added: He is in denial and is shameful and has an inability to acknowledge it because of fear and retribution. The difficulty is his lack of acceptance of what he has done.

Sharman, of Obelisk Road, admitted four charges of voyeurism, assaulting a boy under 13, three charges of making indecent images, possession of a prohibited child image, and taking indecent photos of a child.

Judge Nicholas Rowland said he could sense no remorse from him at all, and denial is an understatement.

Sharman was jailed for three years, given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, and must register with police for life.

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A Southampton pensioner has been convicted of indecently assaulting a woman more than 20 years ago.

Former merchant sailor Kenneth Gibb, 92, had faced two charges relating to an incident that occurred at the victim's home in 2003.

Following a trial at Southampton Crown Court, Gibb was cleared of one count of indecent assault but convicted of the other.

The judge, Recorder Donald Tait, ordered a pre-sentence report and the case was adjourned until August 26.

Giving evidence on the first day of the trial, the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court: "I felt his hand on my belly then over my breasts, and I told him to stop."

The woman said the ordeal made her want to "curl up and die".

Gibb, of Butts Road, Southampton, said he went into her bedroom after she asked him to give her a cuddle and "talk dirty" to her, but he denied both the allegations against him.

Description

A serial paedophile was given shrewd advice by a judge who told him to “read a book” instead of messaging underage girls.

Andrew Othen did not keep his bad habits at bay after he was spared jail a few years ago.

The 56-year-old has a chequered past with 25 previous convictions for child sex offences to his name.

He returned to the dock on May 1 after he breached a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) imposed on him in 2019.

Prosecuting, Rachel Standish said the “high risk” sex offender was secretly using an internet-enabled mobile phone and had eight different usernames on various applications.

She told Southampton Crown Court: “The defendant was also found to be using DuckDuckGo, a browser that offers anonymous searching and deletes browser history.

“He had spent 45 days on the messaging application Kik, where he was conversing with girls aged 13 and 14.

“The conversations were sexual, and he was bombarding them with sexual questions, asking to meet one of the girls.

“The crown say he was going to offend again.”

Gaylene Coles, defending on behalf of Othen, said he “knows what is about to happen” with a return to prison on the cards for the persistent offender.

She said: “He had a difficult upbringing and watched his mum die when he was 14.

“Thereafter he lived a lonely and isolated life.

“When he is released from prison, he finds it impossible to find work and does not know how to fill his time.”

Judge Nigel Peters KC interjected: “He can a read a book.”

Othen, of Alma Road, Southampton, previously pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching a SHPO.

“You are nearly 60 years old, and you are having to remain in prison”, judge Peters told Othen.

“These vile matters have to be investigated and continuing this behaviour while on licence and post-supervision is an aggravating feature in this case.

“You were dealing with people who you thought were vulnerable, and your only piece of mitigation is that you immediately admitted guilt.”

Othen was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

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A man has been sentenced after he sexually assaulted a woman at Creamfields music festival in Daresbury.

Gergel Ludanyi, of Adelaide Road, Southampton, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 25 April, where he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

The 35-year-old was earlier found guilty of sexual assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual assault by touching.

During the trial, the court heard how the victim had attended the Creamfields music festival with a group of friends in August 2022. Whilst there, and in the early hours of the morning, the victim was approached by Ludanyi, who had been working on the fairground at the festival.

Ludanyi tried to kiss the victim, but she pushed him away. She then started to feel unwell and lay down on the floor before losing consciousness.

When the victim regained consciousness, the sun had risen and Ludanyi was on top of her. She tried to push him off of her before again losing consciousness.

During this time, a witness reported seeing Ludanyi move the victim’s clothing as he sexually assaulted her - all while the victim laid there unconscious.

It’s unknown how much time had passed when the victim woke up to Ludanyi lying on top of her. She pushed him off her for the third time before the witness approached and helped her to her feet. The women then reported the incident to security and Cheshire Police.

Subsequently, Ludanyi was arrested and later charged in relation to the incident.

Description

Two men have today been jailed following the rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in Southampton in December 2024.

Damian Andre Martin, 48, of Millbrook Road West, appeared at Southampton Crown Court today (Friday 25 April) where he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for rape, sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, assault by beating and taking a child so as to keep him/her from a person having lawful control. Martin will also have a five year extended license and be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and the Sex Offender's Register for the rest of his life.

Gurdev Singh Rathore, 50, of Milton Road, appeared at the same court where he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for sexual assault and causing a female 13 or over to engage in a non-penetrative sexual activity. Rathore will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and the Sex Offender's Register for the rest of his life.

Police received a report on Friday 27 December that some time overnight on Thursday 26 December into Friday 27 December the girl was raped by a man and sexually assaulted by a second man at an address in the St Mary’s area, both of whom she had met that evening.

The girl reported that she met the two men as she was walking along St. Mary Street. A short time later, Martin raped her and sexually assaulted her. She was then taken to an address on Chapel Road where Rathore sexually assaulted her.

Rathore and Martin both pleaded guilty to the charges against them and have now been jailed for a combined total of 18 and a half years.

On sentencing, His Honour Judge Christopher Parker told both men: "That detention of her in those terrible circumstances must have been unimaginably horrific for those close to her, but for her as a 13-year-old child to have been raped and taken to a flat, abused further sexually in turn by the pair of you must have been - as she describes it - absolutely horrendous and she was in fear of her life."

He told Martin that his behaviour was so dreadful that he could not be considered to be safe around young vulnerable children.