MARLON NELSON FOUND GUILTY OF RAPE IN SOUTHAMPTON

A man accused of raping a girl after a night out was convicted on 22 July 2020 at Southampton Crown Court. Marlon Nelson, aged 34, who has no fixed address, offered a lift home to a 17-year-old girl from Calmore following an evening out and subsequently raped her at Testwood Recreational Ground on 11 November 2014.

In addition to this case, Nelson was also charged after further investigation with the rape and sexual assault of a woman from Romsey, aged 20. The incident involving her took place at Ampfield Recreational Ground in Romsey in late November 2017.

During a seven-day trial, the jury convicted Nelson of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, and one count of digital penetration.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, 27 September.

Following the verdict, Detective Constable Lisa Robins and Police Staff Investigator Kerrie Green, who led the case, commented: “We cannot underestimate the trauma that both women have suffered. Rape is one of the most serious crimes a person can survive. We would like to commend both women on the bravery and courage they’ve shown, which has helped secure today’s guilty verdict.”

“They’ve likely been reminded of the incidents even more so because a significant amount of time has passed since the reports. Our hope is that this brings them some form of closure and allows them to begin moving forward with their lives.”

“Rape investigations are some of the most complex cases we work on, requiring careful review and collaboration between police and the Crown Prosecution Service. We continue to work diligently with CPS Wessex to identify offenders and deliver justice for victims of rape and serious sexual assault cases.”

The officers emphasized that Hampshire Constabulary remains committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence and will do everything possible to bring offenders to justice.