RICHARD LANE FROM WEYMOUTH SENTENCED TO SEVEN AND A HALF YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

Richard James Lane, aged 58, has been handed down a prison sentence of seven and a half years following his conviction for a serious sexual offence. The incident involved the assault of a woman while she was unconscious, an act that has profoundly affected her and has led to significant legal repercussions for Lane. In addition to his prison term, Lane will be permanently listed on the Sex Offenders Register, a measure that underscores the gravity of his crime and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

Richard Lane, who previously resided on Wyke Road and was well-known within the local community as a prominent member of the Weymouth Angling Society, appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court in September 2017 to face justice. His conviction came two weeks after the initial trial, which concluded on September 14 at the same court.

The offence took place in 2016 at Lane’s residence in Weymouth, where he sexually assaulted a woman while she was asleep. The victim was reportedly awakened in the early hours of the morning to find Lane engaging in sexual intercourse with her, an act that she did not consent to and which has caused her significant distress.

The court heard the details of the case, and the judge expressed hope that the sentence would bring some measure of relief to the victim after what was described as an exceedingly distressing period. The judge also emphasized the importance of the case in demonstrating the justice system’s commitment to taking allegations of sexual offences seriously. The authorities assured the public that they conduct thorough investigations into such allegations and are dedicated to supporting victims throughout the legal process.

Overall, the case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the judiciary to address sexual violence and protect vulnerable individuals within the community of Weymouth and beyond.