Gosport man jailed for raping teenager

A man who raped a 16-year-old girl in an alleyway off the High Street in Gosport has been jailed today (2 December 2022) at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Martin Butler, aged 43, was found guilty of rape and assault by penetration by a unanimous jury after a trial heard at the same court in October this year.

He was sentenced to nine years in jail with an additional five years on extended licence. Butler was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will register as a sex offender for life.

Butler attacked the young girl between 5pm and 6pm on 19 November 2021. He threatened her that he would come back if she told anyone, and that if she did tell someone, she wouldn’t be believed.

When the victim in this case came forward to report her terrifying ordeal to the police, an E-Fit appeal was published using her description of the attacker. Butler was put forward as a potential suspect, which led to a full investigation by the police.

As well as being identified through the public appeal, Butler was also picked out by the victim during an ID procedure, and when interviewed he admitted to being in the area at the time of the attack.

Andrea Hills, CPS Wessex Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “We worked with the police to bring all the evidence against Butler together to build a strong case for prosecution. Our commitment to providing early advice and discussing the case strategy with the police was key to building the case around Butler’s behaviour, his conduct and his actions.

“We were also able to use special measures legislation to better support the victim by giving her the opportunity to be asked questions by the prosecution and defence barristers in a pre-recorded interview prior to the trial.

“This meant that when the trial took place, the recording of her evidence could be played to the jury rather than the victim having to go through any further trauma by giving her evidence again at court.

“I would like to commend the victim in this case for her bravery in coming forward to support the prosecution case. Her evidence was pivotal in securing Butler’s conviction, and I hope that she will feel justice has been delivered today.”