LIAM FOARD FROM WINCHESTER SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON VULNERABLE WOMAN

In a significant case heard at Winchester Crown Court, Liam Foard, a 31-year-old man from Winchester, was sentenced to a total of thirteen years in prison following his conviction for sexually assaulting a woman with learning difficulties. The incident, which took place on July 23 of the previous year, involved Foard luring the woman out of her home during the night and subjecting her to a sexual assault. The court was informed that Foard had initially denied the charges of rape and assault by penetration but changed his plea to guilty last month, acknowledging his guilt.

Foard’s criminal history is extensive, with the court noting that he has appeared before the courts 28 times for a total of 55 offences. His previous convictions include a rape conviction in 2013, from which he was released in 2018. The judge, Mr. Recorder Christopher Quinlan QC, emphasized the danger Foard poses to the public, especially given his history and recent actions. The court heard that Foard was arrested the day after the assault and initially lied to police during questioning. However, DNA evidence conclusively linked him to the crime, leading to his conviction.

During the sentencing, the judge highlighted the profound impact the assault had on the victim. A victim impact statement was read aloud, revealing that the attack left her deeply traumatized and fearful of Foard. The court noted that she remains scared of him and continues to suffer from the effects of the assault. Foard’s lack of remorse was also discussed, with the judge suggesting that his comments to probation staff appeared to be an attempt to bolster his self-image through bravado rather than genuine remorse.

Foard was not physically present in court but appeared via a video link from Winchester Prison. He was dressed in grey tracksuit bottoms and a grey Adidas sweatshirt, with a shaven head and beard. Initially, he had refused to appear via video, but he eventually participated in the proceedings.

The court also considered Foard’s criminal record, which includes multiple convictions, and ordered that he serve a nine-year prison term, with an additional four years on extended licence. This means he cannot apply for parole until at least six years into his sentence, and there will be no release at the halfway point. Furthermore, Foard will be registered as a sex offender for life. The court also noted three additional minor offences that Foard denied, which will be recorded on his criminal file. Overall, the sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the court’s view of him as a continued threat to society.