RICHARD JOHN BABINGTON SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR VIOLENCE IN LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT

RICHARD JOHN BABINGTON SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR VIOLENCE IN LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT

A man identified as Richard John Babington has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison following a serious sexual assault in Lee-on-the-Solent.

The 56-year-old resident of Twyford Road, Eastleigh, had been drinking with the victim overnight on 23 February 2019.

According to Portsmouth Crown Court, Babington was found sexually assaulting the woman in his motorhome at a caravan park on Browndown Road early on 24 February.

Despite her attempts to resist, Babington continued the assault until the woman managed to escape and contact the police.

Authorities arrived at the scene, detained Babington, and arrested him.

After a comprehensive investigation, Babington was charged with multiple offences.

The case proceeded to trial on 17 May, where he denied the allegations.

Nevertheless, on 24 May, the jury unanimously found him guilty of two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration.

At today’s sentencing on 23 July, Portsmouth Crown Court handed Babington the maximum penalty.

Following the court’s decision, Detective Sergeant Heather Hudson commented: “This was a horrendous assault, and I commend the bravery of the woman who has had to endure a lengthy investigation and trial process due to Babington’s callous denials.

He plied this woman with alcohol and took advantage of her, and continued to subject her to a horrendous assault after she regained consciousness.

I am pleased the jury saw through his lies and he is now being rightly punished for this terrible crime.”