JAMES STRUDWICK OF BASINGSTOKE RAGES IN COURT AFTER SEX OFFENDER CONVICTION

In July 2002, a disturbing incident unfolded inside Winchester Crown Court involving James Strudwick, a 20-year-old man from Stag Hill, South Ham, Basingstoke. The proceedings followed his conviction on serious charges related to sexual offenses involving minors, which provoked a highly emotional and aggressive outburst from the defendant.

Strudwick, who had been accused of engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl, reacted with intense anger and frustration after the jury returned a guilty verdict. As the verdict was read, he shouted and swore loudly, exclaiming, “They can’t do this to me!” His outburst was marked by loud swearing and screams, clearly indicating his disbelief and rage at the court’s decision.

During the sentencing phase, Strudwick’s behavior escalated further. He struck the 10-foot-high screen that separated him from the courtroom audience with his fists, demonstrating his fury. Then, in a desperate attempt to physically escape, he tried to climb over the barrier, hurling verbal abuse at a prison guard who intervened by grabbing his legs to prevent him from escaping. His violent display drew the attention of court officials and caused a scene that lasted several minutes.

Members of Strudwick’s family, seated in the public gallery, were visibly distressed, with some wailing as the situation unfolded. The courtroom staff, concerned for safety, called in additional prison guards, who eventually managed to restrain and pin the angry defendant to the floor. The entire episode caused a significant disruption to the proceedings.

Following the chaos, the jury, visibly shaken, requested that the public gallery be cleared to continue their deliberations in privacy. They subsequently returned with a verdict of not guilty on a second charge of unlawful sex involving a different girl, a 12-year-old, and also acquitted Strudwick of the two counts of rape he faced. The jury’s decision reflected their assessment of the evidence presented during the trial.

It was established during the trial that Strudwick had engaged in sexual activity with the 13-year-old girl at the home of his mother’s then-boyfriend, located at Old Canal Place, during the previous autumn. The court heard detailed testimony about the circumstances surrounding the incident, which contributed to the guilty verdict on the unlawful sex charge.

Judge Robert Pryor QC sentenced Strudwick to a prison term of one year for the unlawful sex offense, with an additional year on license. He also imposed a concurrent month in prison for Strudwick’s disruptive behavior in court. Furthermore, the judge ordered Strudwick to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors from sexual exploitation.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Pryor expressed concern about Strudwick’s conduct and attitude. He stated, “I’m worried about your behaviour and attitude,” and highlighted the severity of his actions during the court proceedings. The judge also remarked that Strudwick’s behavior in court was unprecedented in his experience, indicating the seriousness with which the court viewed the defendant’s conduct.

It was also revealed that Strudwick had a prior criminal record, including convictions for dishonesty, acts of violence, harassment, and possession of an offensive weapon. Additionally, police had issued him an informal warning after he admitted to having unlawful sex with a 12-year-old girl in 1999, following a complaint made by the girl. This history underscored concerns about his pattern of offending and his attitude towards the law and society.