BENJAMIN CHEYNE FROM ANDOVER SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SALISBURY

In October 2021, Benjamin Cheyne, a man from Andover, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving a minor. The court heard that Cheyne, aged 32 at the time, committed multiple serious assaults on a 10-year-old girl, actions that have left a lasting scar on the young victim.

Judge Barnett, presiding over Salisbury Crown Court, described the crimes as 'extremely serious' and condemned Cheyne's conduct as 'selfish and totally unthinkable.' The offenses took place over a period spanning from February 2019 to May 2020, during which Cheyne engaged in two counts of assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault against the young girl.

The judge emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, 'Your selfish, totally unthinkable conduct, on the last two occasions while she was sleeping, caused unthinkable damage to her.' The court was told that these acts inflicted profound trauma on the victim, whose life has been significantly impacted by the abuse.

In a poignant statement, the victim’s mother described the devastating effects of the assaults. She revealed that her daughter now suffers from deteriorating self-esteem and confidence, with the trauma manifesting in various ways. The mother explained, 'The impact is immediate and will affect her for the rest of her life.'

The young girl, now 11 years old, finds her own home to be a source of anxiety and triggers night terrors that severely disrupt her sleep. This sleep deprivation has begun to interfere with her ability to learn and develop normally. She also harbors fears about trusting others and forming new relationships, haunted by the memory that Cheyne, a father of two, might come back to take her away.

Judge Barnett highlighted the far-reaching consequences of Cheyne’s actions, noting that the victim’s happiness, development, social relationships, and educational progress have all been adversely affected. The trauma inflicted has caused enormous emotional suffering, with long-lasting effects.

During the trial, Cheyne did not agree with the jury’s guilty verdict but accepted it and expressed his intention to leave the area once his sentence is served. Following his 11-year imprisonment, Cheyne, who resides on Pilgrims Way in Andover, will be subject to a one-year period of licence. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order will be enforced indefinitely to protect the victim and prevent any further contact.

This case underscores the devastating impact of such crimes on young victims and highlights the importance of justice and protective measures for vulnerable individuals in the community.