JOSHUA BROMAGE FROM HAVANT SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR MANIPULATIVE SEXUAL OFFENSES AND BLACKMAIL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Joshua Bromage, a 30-year-old man from Holybourne Road in Havant, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 14 years for a series of heinous crimes involving manipulation, blackmail, and sexual assault. The sentencing took place at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday, where Bromage was also ordered to be registered as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

Judge Peter Henry described Bromage as a manipulative individual who cynically exploited his victims, demonstrating a calculated and controlling approach to his crimes. Bromage had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of rape, which formed the core of the charges against him.

The case first came to light in April 2021 when a 17-year-old girl from Southampton reported to authorities that she had been coerced into having sex with Bromage. She also revealed that she had been subjected to blackmail via Instagram by an unknown individual, who threatened to release intimate images of her unless she sent more explicit photos and videos. It was later confirmed that the blackmailer was Bromage himself.

Following her report, law enforcement officers arrested Bromage. An examination of his mobile phone uncovered category C indecent images of children, along with photographs of the young victim. The phone also contained a series of text messages in which Bromage demanded explicit images from her, threatening to distribute her private photos online if she refused.

The investigation expanded in November 2023 when a second victim, a 22-year-old woman from Southampton, came forward. She disclosed that Bromage had also raped her and blackmailed her through Instagram, similar to the first case. She detailed how she was coerced into sending indecent images and videos, with Bromage threatening to release more if she did not comply. Bromage further manipulated her by claiming he was receiving similar threats and that the blackmailer was requesting images of both women engaging in sexual acts.

After a comprehensive and detailed investigation, Bromage was formally charged with four counts of rape. He subsequently pleaded guilty to all charges, leading to his conviction and sentencing.

Detective Constable Andrew Ferguson, who led the investigation, emphasized the manipulative nature of Bromage’s actions. He stated, “Bromage’s actions were incredibly manipulative, calculated and controlling, and the impact he has had on his two young victims is immeasurable. I hope that this sentence reassures other victims that they will be listened to when reporting incidents of this nature to the police.”