LIAM PUNCHER AND SHOCKING RAPE IN DORSET
A man accused of committing a brutal sexual assault in Dorset has been sentenced to prison for his actions.Liam James Puncher, aged 23 and residing in Dorchester, was given a six-and-a-half-year jail term after being found guilty of rape at Bournemouth Crown Court.
The court proceedings revealed a disturbing incident that took place on the night of February 22, 2019.
According to the court's findings, the assault occurred at the victim’s home on Portland, where Puncher and the woman, who was known to him, had been watching a film together.
The atmosphere was initially casual, but the situation quickly escalated.
Puncher began to behave in a sexually inappropriate manner, touching the woman, despite her clear objections and telling him to stop.
The victim’s protests seemed to have little effect, as the defendant continued his advances.
It was around 1:50 a.m.
on the following Saturday morning, February 23, 2019, that Puncher’s actions turned more violent.
He made further sexual advances, and during the assault, he seized her by the throat before raping her.
This violent act marked a significant and traumatic event for the victim.
Following the assault, Puncher left her home but then contacted her through messages, texting her to apologise and imploring her not to tell anyone about what had happened.
In the early hours of Sunday, February 24, 2019, Puncher voluntarily reported himself to the police, claiming he wanted to surrender in relation to an incident on Portland.
The victim reported the rape to the police later that morning, leading to Puncher’s immediate arrest.
During police interviews, Puncher maintained that the act was consensual, denying any wrongdoing and insisting that no assault or rape had occurred.
The trial at Bournemouth Crown Court involved careful consideration of the evidence, and the jury was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Puncher’s claims of consensual activity were false.
Detective Sergeant Jo Blackmore of Weymouth CID praised the victim’s bravery for coming forward and supporting the investigation.
She emphasized the importance of her courage in helping secure the conviction and ensuring that justice was served.
Sergeant Blackmore also expressed hope that the victim’s actions would inspire other victims of sexual assault to come forward, knowing they would receive support and that efforts would be made to hold perpetrators accountable.
She urged anyone who has experienced sexual violence to contact the police directly via 101 and request to speak with specially-trained officers, emphasizing the police’s commitment to justice and victim support.
