STEPHEN Appleby has been jailed for five years after raping his former partner – who recorded the ordeal on a mobile device.
Appleby, of Diana Way, Corfe Mullen, was found guilty of rape after a trial in December last year and sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court today (February 24).
The court heard how the 61-year-old attacked his victim in her own home, in Ludgershall, on September 5, 2021 – an attack she said she will “carry forever”.
She reported the offence after she recorded the incident on a mobile device and listened back.
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In a statement read to the court, his victim said: “I feel great relief in knowing that I was believed and that I am going to gain some freedom in knowing that Stephen will be sent to prison.
“However, I know this freedom will only last as long as his sentence and how long of this he will serve. This is a life time sentence for me and one I will carry forever.”
After the sentencing hearing, DS Roxanne Whitton, said: “I would like to thank the victim who took huge courage to report this incident to the police.
“The judicial process has been long for her and she has had support from police officers, Horizon and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) throughout.
“This offence took place inside the victim’s home, which should have been her safe place. She has taken the last few years a day at a time and found the strength to continue through the investigation and the court process.
“I hope this sentence will be will be a solace for her and that she can continue her journey in moving on and learning to enjoy her life again.
“I also hope that the sentence sends a message to people who have been a victim that you are not alone, report to the police and we will listen and we can signpost you to other support.”
Anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault, or knows someone that has, can get in touch with Wiltshire Police or a partner agency.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) work with adults and children who have experienced sexual violence and their families to get them access to the services they need.
You can access ISVAs through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers on hand 24 hours a day, offering medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.
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