Pervert jailed after trapping woman in motorhome in Lee-on-the-Solent and raping her as she slept

Predatory Richard John Babington plied his victim with alcohol before carrying out his vicious assault in a caravan he owned along Browndown Road, Lee-on-the-Solent.

The 56-year-old of Twyford Road in Eastleigh had been drinking with his target on February 23, 2019.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard the victim awoke in the early hours of the morning on February 24 to find a long-haired, goatee-sporting Babington viciously molesting her.

The relentless rapist then carried on his vile attack, continuing to rape the woman in his motorhome before she was able to flee and call the police.

Officers attended and arrested Babington at the scene.

Following a lengthy investigation, he was subsequently charged with offences, and the case went to trial on 17 May this year.

Despite his denials, Babington was convicted unanimously by the jury of two counts of rape, and one count of assault by penetration on May 24.

Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court today, the vile pervert was jailed for 12 years and 6 months.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Heather Hudson said: ‘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.’

# Support for rape victims is available by calling charity Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or visiting victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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