Sean White 55

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Brave Victim Speaks Out After Child Rapist Jailed for 30 Years

A child rapist has been jailed for 30 years for “truly abhorrent” levels of abuse against a girl that began when she was 11 years old.

Sean White, 55, formerly of Harrow Way, Waterlooville, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on May 22. He was convicted after an eight-day trial in March 2025 of five counts of rape of a child over 13, one count of indecent assault of a child, and one count of rape of a child under 13 — offences equating to 21 rapes in total. The abuse took place between 2003 and 2010. Police praised the victim’s bravery after she reported the crimes in April 2024.

White was also given a five-year extended licence, made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and issued with a restraining order in relation to the victim.

In a powerful personal statement read in court, the woman, now in her 30s, said:

“During a time where I should have been making happy memories, learning how to become a functioning member of society and experiencing the love and support of a family, I instead experienced a time full of fear, endless abuse and complete isolation.

“Due to the way I shut down, I wanted keep those traumatic events locked up in the furthest, darkest corner in my mind and do everything in my power to never think about them. In doing so, I dismissed any notion of receiving justice.

“I convinced myself that even if I did come forward, no-one would believe me and he would get away with it. I no longer want to accept that is the case. I have come to accept that it's time to have my voice heard and I owe it to my younger self to get both justice and long-awaited closure I deserve.

“I could never fully explain, nor expect anyone to completely understand, the impact of those events, but what I can say is that man changed my life in the most tragic way possible, and standing in the court room coming forward, although difficult, is absolutely necessary.

“I no longer want to just 'survive'. I want to live, and having Sean appropriately sentenced is one step closer to achieving that. I want him to know that he no longer has power over me, I do not fear him and he will not control my life.”

Detective Sergeant Drew Wright, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“This investigation into White’s repeated sexual abuse of a young girl over several years has been long and complex.

“White subjected his victim to a truly abhorrent level of abuse, and I am glad that he is now behind bars. This result has only been possible thanks to the courage of the woman involved throughout the investigation and criminal justice process.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks for the bravery and tenacity she has shown, and while I know that nothing will ever take away everything she has been through, I really hope that this sentence goes some way to helping her move forward with her life.

“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of abuse of any kind, no matter when it happened, to please report it. You will be able to speak to specialist detectives in confidence, who will listen to you and support you.”