ANTHONY ROGERS SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS IN SOUTHAMPTON FOR RAPE OF YOUNG GIRL

In a case that has deeply shocked the community of Southampton, Anthony Rogers, aged 34, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple heinous crimes involving a young girl. The offences, which included four counts of rape and one count of attempted rape, took place both at the victim’s home and in a nearby park, highlighting the disturbing breach of trust and safety.

Rogers was apprehended by police after the young girl confided in her mother about the abuse she had endured. The details of the case emerged during the sentencing hearing at Southampton Crown Court, where Recorder Michael Vere-Hodge QC expressed grave concerns about the lasting psychological impact these crimes could have on the victim. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offences, noting that such acts could cause profound damage to a young person's mental health and future.

During the proceedings, Rogers maintained his innocence, continuing to deny the allegations. The judge remarked on the victim’s initial fear that no adult would believe her, a sentiment that was ultimately proven false as the jury believed her account. The court heard that Rogers, who resides on Colwell Close, Millbrook, Southampton, was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register and was disqualified from working with children indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Defense counsel Christopher Gair acknowledged that Rogers accepted the likelihood of a significant custodial sentence. He also pointed out that Rogers had become estranged from his family and that the offences, although a serious breach of trust, were unlikely to recur. Gair suggested that Rogers’s troubled life may have influenced his perception of right and wrong at the time of the offences.

It was also noted that Rogers had previously been of good character, which made the case even more troubling for the community and the court. The sentencing underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on protecting vulnerable individuals and punishing those who commit such grave offences in Southampton.