NEIL METCALFE FROM WEYMOUTH SENTENCED FOR PERSISTENT SEX OFFENSES IN BOURNEMOUTH AND WEYMOUTH

In March 2008, Neil Metcalfe, a man previously residing on Rodwell Road in Weymouth, was formally sentenced to an indefinite period of detention for public protection following a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed over a span of several months. The court heard that Metcalfe, aged 27 at the time, had engaged in a three-month campaign of terror targeting women of various ages in the Weymouth and Bournemouth areas.

Metcalfe’s criminal history was already extensive. He had previously been convicted in 2006 of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl near Boot Hill in Weymouth. At that time, he was working at a hotel in the town center. His prior convictions also included sexual assaults on a girl aged 12 and a woman over 60, which led to his registration on the sex offenders’ register. Despite serving time for his earlier crimes, Metcalfe’s predatory behavior persisted.

Approximately a year after his release from prison for the Weymouth attack, Metcalfe moved to Bournemouth, where he continued his offending spree. He was residing at Richmond Park Road in the Charminster district when he committed further crimes. During his court appearance, he admitted to two sexual assaults, attempted robbery, and violations of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Prosecutor Stuart Ellacott detailed the series of incidents. The first victim, a 15-year-old girl, was targeted last July. Ellacott explained, “She became aware of a man, thinking he was blind because he was zigzagging towards her. As he approached, he put his hand under her skirt. She was frightened and hurried to the bus stop, where she reported the incident at school.”

One month later, Metcalfe’s predatory behavior continued when he assaulted a foreign student. Ellacott described the attack: “He grabbed her face, putting his fingers in her mouth to prevent her from screaming. She fell to the ground and started to scream. He told her to be quiet and ran off, with the intention of stealing her handbag.”

In October, Metcalfe’s actions escalated when he targeted a woman walking to work along the street where he lived. Ellacott recounted, “She tried to avoid eye contact, putting her head down. He grabbed her between the legs.”

During the incident, a van driver named Daniel Plant observed Metcalfe’s behavior and kept watch until police arrived. For his vigilance, Mr. Plant was awarded £300 by the court. When arrested, Metcalfe told officers, “Something takes over my body; I just can’t help myself.”

Judge John Beashel sentenced Metcalfe to an indeterminate term, recommending that he serve a minimum of two and a half years before being considered for release. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the threat posed by Metcalfe, stating, “You represent a serious danger to women.” The court’s decision reflects the ongoing concern about his dangerous and persistent offending behavior in the Weymouth and Bournemouth communities.