JOHN HORNE AND HIS SHOCKING RAPE ON FAREHAM FOOTBRIDGE

In a disturbing incident that has captivated public attention in Fareham, a man named John Horne was sentenced to nine years in prison after committing a brutal rape on a footbridge near Fareham Train Station in Hampshire during March of this year.

The case, which drew significant media coverage, has now been formally referred to the Attorney General's office under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. This process allows for an independent review of the sentence, which could potentially lead to an increase if it is found to be insufficiently severe. Should the review uphold the suspicion that the sentence was too lenient, the case may then proceed to the Court of Appeal with the authority to enhance the punishment.

John Horne, who was 39 at the time of the assault, pleaded guilty to charges of rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm during proceedings at Portsmouth Crown Court in May. His admission came amidst a lengthy and traumatic assault that the authorities described as 'prolonged.' The court was informed that Horne was deemed a dangerous offender, which means he will be required to serve at least two-thirds of his custodial sentence before being eligible for release.

The victim, a 22-year-old woman, expressed her suffering in a statement read during the court proceedings. She described how she was once a 'smiley' and lively individual prior to the attack, but now grapples with daily anxiety and fears that she may never regain her previous sense of normalcy. Her words emphasized the profound and lasting impact that the assault has had on her mental health and well-being.

During the sentencing, Judge Richard Shepherd remarked that Horne had 'terrorized' his victim and deprived her of what should have been a carefree and safe period in her life. The judge's comments underscored the gravity of the offense and its devastating effects.

The Office of the Attorney General confirmed that the case has been received under the ULS scheme, which is designed to scrutinize sentences that appear to be unreasonably low. The law enforcement authorities have a period of 28 days from the date of sentencing to review the case and decide whether to pursue an appeal for a harsher penalty.

This incident has brought into focus issues surrounding sexual violence and the judicial process aimed at ensuring justice is fully served in cases of such heinous crimes in Fareham and the wider Hampshire region.