LOUIS CANN GOSPORT MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN PORTSMOUTH AND GOSPORT

A man from Gosport, Louis Charles Cann, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple heinous sexual offenses committed over a ten-month period in the cities of Portsmouth and Gosport. The case, which has shocked the local community and drawn significant attention from law enforcement, involved disturbing acts of manipulation, violence, and degradation against two women.

According to court proceedings, Cann, aged 38 and residing on Rampart Row, engaged in repeated acts of sexual assault against these women. The victims were subjected to a pattern of coercion, threats of violence, and verbal abuse, which left them in a state of fear and helplessness. One of the women was physically assaulted when she refused to engage in sexual activity, highlighting the brutality of Cann’s actions. The court heard that Cann not only raped these women multiple times but also filmed himself raping one of them while she was asleep, an act that added a layer of horrifying violation to his crimes.

The case was brought to light through a detailed investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s specialist team, Operation Amberstone, which focuses on tackling serious sexual offenses. Despite denying the charges, Cann was found guilty of all nine counts of rape on June 5 by a jury. The Salisbury Crown Court heard harrowing details of how Cann manipulated and degraded his victims, with Judge Adam Feest KC condemning his actions as humiliating and dehumanizing. The judge remarked on the use of blackmail, threats, and verbal abuse, emphasizing that one of the women was treated in a manner akin to a rag doll, underscoring the extent of her victimization.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Feest expressed profound disapproval of Cann’s conduct, stating that neither he nor anyone listening could fully comprehend the long-lasting trauma, distress, and fear inflicted upon the victims. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crimes committed and the need for justice to be served.

Detective Sergeant Samantha Brown, a representative of the Operation Amberstone team, described the case as one of the most shocking instances of sexual violence she has encountered. She praised the bravery of the victims for coming forward and standing up against such a cowardly individual. Sergeant Brown emphasized that the police are committed to supporting victims of sexual abuse and ensuring offenders are held accountable.

As part of his punishment, Louis Cann was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with an additional five-year extended license period. Furthermore, he was issued a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and ordered to register as a sex offender for life. These measures aim to protect the community and prevent any future offenses, reflecting the gravity of Cann’s crimes and the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to combat sexual violence in the region.