PHILIP PACKHAM AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ATTACK IN SOUTHAMPTON'S LORDSHILL NEIGHBOURHOOD
A disturbing case of sexual predation unfolded in Southampton's Lordshill area when Philip Packham, a known offender, targeted an elderly woman and conducted a brazen assault inside her own home.The incident began when Packham, aged 69, tailed a woman in her 80s as she was out walking alone.
The victim, described as confused and worried, was followed closely through the streets by Packham, who then made the alarming decision to enter her residence uninvited.
According to court reports, Packham's actions were unprovoked and extremely invasive.
Inside her home, the elderly woman confronted Packham, asking him to leave.
Nonetheless, he persisted in his inappropriate and unlawful conduct, attempting to touch her between her legs over her clothing and furthermore, trying to kiss and cuddle her in a manner that visibly terrified her.
The prosecutor, Matthew Lawson, detailed the distress experienced by the victim, stating that she was "extremely distressed by this" and sought help from a neighbor, who subsequently contacted the police.
In a statement read to the court, the woman expressed her ongoing fears, noting that she now feels "worried and scared to go outside." She voiced her concern about the potential for such an incident to occur again, saying, "I can't believe what has happened.
I'm worried what happens if he was to get out and potentially do this again." Philip Packham, who has an extensive criminal record including 30 convictions for 73 offenses, was no stranger to the justice system.
His prior convictions include serious incidents such as gross indecency with a child, indecent assault of a female under 14, exposure, and assault.
His first known sexual attack dates back to the 1980s.
He had previously been subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order—a legal restriction imposed when he was jailed and classified as a dangerous offender—particularly relevant when he committed this latest offense.
During the sentencing at Southampton Crown Court, Judge Christopher Parker KC emphasized the deliberate nature of Packham’s actions, noting that he followed the woman intentionally and unlawfully entered her home without permission.
The judge highlighted the severe psychological impact inflicted upon the victim, stressing that her distress was profound.
Addressing Packham directly, the judge stated, “You can shake your head now but what you say and what you do are very different.
It seems to me that there is no question that you pose a risk of serious harm.” As a result, Packham was sentenced to six years in prison, with an additional four years on extended licence supervision.
In court, Packham admitted to the sexual assault and acknowledged that he broke the terms of the sexual harm prevention order by being alone with a woman in her property.
During police interviews, he admitted to attempting to touch the woman but claimed he believed he had been invited into her home.
He subsequently ceased answering further questions, requested a solicitor, and denied responsibility.
Mitigation presented by Keeley Harvey highlighted that the guilty plea was the only mitigating factor, acknowledging that Packham’s admission to the charges was significant in the proceedings.
