A Southampton man has been sent to prison for a period of 9 years for the rape of a 17-year-old girl on the Isle of Wight.
Liam Morrow, 50, originally from Hartington Road in Southampton but now of HMP Lewes, appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on Monday.
The distressing sex attack is said to have occurred in Ventnor on 9th February 2019. The victim, who is from the Isle of Wight, was socialising with friends in the town. Morrow spoke to them and tagged along with the group who were considerably younger than he was.
During the course of the day, Morrow drank coffee while the victim consumed alcohol. The victim was later separated from the group and raped by Morrow. She stated that she was not consenting and never would have consented to sexual intercourse.
Specialist officers provided support to the victim throughout the subsequent complex investigation which saw Morrow charged with rape and assault by penetration under section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act (SOA).
Morrow was found guilty of rape and assault by penetration and was sentenced to a total of 9 years behind bars by Mr Recorder Malcolm Gibney – 9 years for the rape and 7 years for the assault by penetration, with the sentences to be served concurrently.
Investigating officer DC Jessica Hughes said:
“I hope this sentence provides some comfort to the victim that Morrow is now in prison for a considerable length of time, where he can’t pose a threat to vulnerable young women. I hope that this result helps the victim to move past this distressing sexual assault, so that she can live her life safe in the knowledge that justice has been delivered by the court. I’d like to commend her for her actions throughout the investigation that have helped us to secure this outcome.
Article continues below this advertisement “I’d also urge all victims of sexual assault to contact us. We work tirelessly on investigations such as this to ensure that victims are supported by ourselves and partner agencies as we seek to secure convictions for these types of offences. No-one should feel reluctant to report this kind of crime. Victims will be listened to, supported and encouraged by the police, CPS and other agencies”.
Hampshire Constabulary encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to contact them on 101 to speak with a specialist officer in confidence.
As a survivor of sexual abuse, you’re entitled to support whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you’re feeling and what you decide to do next. You can visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/ to see the support on offer.
The #ItStillMatters Campaign is assuring survivors of sexual abuse that it is never too late to get support. Information is given on National Helplines and also how to access support locally. https://www.safeline.org.uk/it-still-matters/.
Well done to our police for getting another animal of the streets..
what 6 years later?????
These concurrent sentences are a sick and disgusting joke, if someone is guilty of separate offences then they should receive separate sentences and these should be served consecutively but yet again the rights of the criminals are more important than those of the victims.
Good point and add to that that many get out early for “good behaviour” (perhaps having the gift of the gab).
The sentences should be a lot longer to protect us all from these vile individuals for longer.
It’s just not safe out there with the authorities acting so weakly against crime (look at the conviction rates). I don’t feel safe ever and am always looking over my shoulder.
Women are virtually unprotected, as are children; in reality anyone vulnerable.
its alright she got some comfort….unbelviable
great sentencing so it took 6 years to convict then gets 2 sentences to run together brilliant well done judge give yourself a pat on the back… oh and dont you love when the popo say to report this ..really??? 6 years and a stupid low sentence ..no wonder women and girls dont bother…also some comfort for the poor girl what 6 years later???? are you taking the …iss..