EWAN GILMOUR AND HIS SHOCKING ATTEMPT AT RAPE IN CHICHESTER AND SELSEY

A young man from Selsey, Ewan Gilmour, has been convicted and sentenced to a substantial prison term after an alarming attempt to sexually assault a teenage girl in the nearby area of Selsey, West Sussex. The incident drew significant attention due to its brazen nature and the importance of community cooperation in bringing the offender to justice.

According to court proceedings, Gilmour, aged 21 and residing on Sparshott Road in Selsey, made an unsolicited approach to the teenage girl in Selsey’s town centre. He reportedly offered her money — specifically 100 pounds — in exchange for sex, an overture which she rejected outright. Following her refusal, Gilmour did not abandon his pursuit; instead, he appeared to stalk her with malicious intent, waiting for an opportunity to ambush her.

The court heard that on May 29 of the previous year, Gilmour followed the girl as she moved through the streets. He overtook her in an alley situated between Manor Road and Manor Lane. As she realised Gilmour was attempting to intercept her, she attempted to resist and fled from the scene. Despite her efforts to escape, Gilmour's actions escalated when he exposed himself to her, a move intended to intimidate and coerce. When he struggled to pull down her trousers, he forcibly grabbed her hair, holding her in place.

During the altercation, Gilmour made threats, explicitly warning her that he would punch her in the face if she continued to fight. The young girl fought desperately to free herself, managing to break free and run to a nearby residence for safety. The ordeal left her shaken but physically unharmed, and her bravery played a crucial role in preventing a more serious assault.

Gilmour’s actions did not go unnoticed in court, where he was convicted of attempted rape on November 19. The judge, William Ashworth, expressed stern condemnation of his conduct, describing the attempt as brazen and calculated, aimed at a vulnerable individual in a public space. He emphasized that Gilmour cyclically stalked and attacked the victim, demonstrating a clear pattern of predatory behavior.

In addition to the seven-year prison sentence, Gilmour received an extended three-year period of supervision on licence. A sexual harm prevention order was also imposed, prohibiting him from contacting minors for life. Furthermore, he is mandated to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

During the trial, Gilmour attempted to justify his actions by claiming he was merely trying to look over fences to steal items, an assertion the court found unsubstantiated. He also inadvertently revealed his underwear—FCUK branded—when his trousers fell down, which the jury noted as evidence linking him to the incident.

It was disclosed that Gilmour is a former Army recruit who was discharged due to medical reasons. The parole authorities now will determine the timing of his release, which will be no earlier than after he has served at least two-thirds of his sentence. The extended supervision period will continue even during this time.

As Gilmour was led away to serve his sentence, he turned to the public gallery and blew a kiss to supportes present, showing a lack of remorse.

Investigating officer Steve Holden commended the bravery of the victim, whose resilience ensured that the case against Gilmour was successful. Holden also thanked the community and all individuals who supplied CCTV footage and information, which proved instrumental in the investigation. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to removing dangerous offenders who pose a threat to the public and confirmed that, despite Gilmour’s dismissive attitude and apparent lack of remorse, justice had been served.