JAMES FORD AND SHOCKING SEX OFFENSES IN ANDOVER

In a series of alarming and deeply concerning incidents in Andover, 33-year-old James Ford was responsible for a troubling pattern of sexual misconduct and indecent exposure involving multiple victims. These disturbing events took place on June 23, and they culminated in Ford’s subsequent police arrest and conviction.

The first incident occurred around 1:00 pm on Anton Lane, where a 29-year-old woman was just going about her day. Sophisticated in its approach, Ford cycled past her and then dismounted from his bicycle. Once off his bike, he pulled down his trousers and engaged in inappropriate touching in front of her, exposing himself and performing acts that caused her distress.

Not long thereafter, Ford targeted a 17-year-old girl at the busy junction of Colonzo Drive and Vigo Road. He cycled past her before assaulting her sexually in a manner that has been described as a sexual offense. Later, at approximately 2:45 pm, responding to police reports, officers learned that a 23-year-old woman had spotted a man masturbating in some bushes near Picket Twenty. The distress caused by these acts underscored the severity of the incidents.

Further compounding the case, Ford was identified as the perpetrator of an assault on a 14-year-old girl. Around 4:00 pm, the teenage victim was walking along Anton Lane Path when Ford again cycled past her and committed another sexual assault—a pattern of targeting young women and girls running through his actions.

Following an extensive investigation, law enforcement officers traced Ford to his residence on Dines Close in Andover. During the police raid, they recovered a bicycle that matched the description provided by the victims, strengthening the case against him. Ford was subsequently arrested on June 24 and brought in for questioning.

At Winchester Crown Court, Ford pleaded guilty to multiple charges including two counts of sexual assault, two counts of indecent exposure, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. His sentencing resulted in a two-year prison term, reflecting the seriousness of his offences.

In addition to imprisonment, Ford was ordered to serve seven-year restraining orders covering each of the victims. His existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also amended to impose further restrictions, aimed at preventing any further offending.

Detective Sergeant Mike Jarvis publicly commented on the case, highlighting the gravity of Ford’s actions. He stated, “Ford’s behaviour towards these women is very worrying and I am glad that he has been held accountable for his actions. I hope this result sends a clear message that we take these reports very seriously and will investigate thoroughly. I am pleased that we have secured justice for these victims. Reducing violence against women and girls remains one of our top priorities, and together with other agencies, we do a lot of work to tackle this issue.”

Sergeant Jarvis also emphasized the importance of victim support, urging anyone who has suffered a sexual offence to report it. “If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, please report it to us – you will be listened to, and you will be taken seriously. We will also work to get you the support that you need,” he concluded.