RICHARD STRANGE AND SHOCKING BREAK-IN IN ROMSEY

Richard Strange, a 29-year-old former Ministry of Defence (MoD) worker residing on Duttons Road in Romsey, became the subject of a criminal investigation after a series of alarming and inappropriate actions that unfolded during the early hours at a residential property.

According to reports presented in Southampton Crown Court, Strange, under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, took the unusual step of propping a ladder against a house in an apparent attempt to gain access or observe someone inside. His actions took a more problematic turn when he managed to climb through an open window of the house. It was around midnight when Strange's intoxicated state led him to enter the wrong room, unintentionally intruding into a teenage girl's mother's bedroom.

Upon realizing that he was in the wrong room, Strange quickly offered an apology, allegedly saying, 'It’s okay, I’m going now,' and exited the room. He then moved onto the landing, where he encountered the older girl who was in her room. She came out and followed him, but Strange motioned for her to go downstairs, an act that appeared to be an attempt to avoid further confrontation or detection. During this interaction, Strange took the unsettling step of declaring his feelings for her, and in a highly inappropriate act, leaned forward and kissed her on the mouth, licking her lips.

Following this incident, Strange left the house and returned to the home of his partner, Lucy Harleys. Their relationship soon deteriorated, culminating in a violent altercation. During the confrontation, Strange pushed Harleys to the floor and proceeded to punch her three times in the face.

The court proceedings revealed that Strange was convicted of sexual assault related to the incident in the house, although he admitted to the lesser charge of battery concerning the assault on his partner. The judge, Jeremy Burford QC, acknowledged that Strange’s actions, though serious, were somewhat mitigated by his circumstances. Burford explained that normally, such behavior would warrant a prison sentence; however, Strange had already served nearly the equivalent of a year on remand. Furthermore, subsequent drug tests had returned negative since the offenses.

The judge ultimately decided on a sentence that included a 12-month supervision order, during which Strange would be required to participate in various rehabilitation programs, including sessions on domestic violence. Additionally, as part of the sentencing, Strange was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years.

This case highlights a troubling sequence of events that began with an apparent voyeuristic attempt, escalated to unwanted physical contact, and culminated in domestic violence, all within the context of a quiet town like Romsey.