Man found guilty of rapes and sexual assaults in Totton and Romsey

A man who raped a girl in the back of a car after a night out was yesterday (22 July) found guilty at Southampton Crown Court.

Marlon Nelson, aged 34, of no fixed abode, after a night-out offered a lift home to a then 17-year-old girl from Calmore and raped her at Testwood Recreational Ground on 11 November 2014.

Following a further investigation, Nelson was also charged with the rape and sexual assault of a woman a then 20-year-old woman from Romsey. The incident occurred at Ampfield Recreational Ground, Romsey in late November 2017.

During a seven-day trial, a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of digital penetration.

Nelson will be sentenced on Monday 27 September.

Detective Constable Lisa Robins and Police Staff Investigator Kerrie Green, the Officers in Case, following the verdict, said: “We cannot underestimate the trauma that both women have suffered. Rape is one of the most serious crimes a person can survive. We would like to commend both women on the bravery and courage they’ve shown, which has helped secure today’s guilty verdict.

“We know that this will have no doubt brought up memories of the incident for them both, especially since there has been a significant time-delay since the initial report. We’re hoping that this will bring them some form of closure, and that they can now begin to move forward with their lives.

“Rape investigations are some of the most complex cases we work on, and each case requires careful review and collaboration between the police and CPS. We are working hard in partnership with CPS Wessex to identify offenders and get justice for victims of rape and serious sexual assault (RASSO) cases.

“We want to show you that no matter the circumstances, Hampshire Constabulary is committed to supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault and we will do everything we can to identify offenders and put them in front of a court.”

If you’ve been a victim, please report rape or sexual assault as soon as possible. Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, we’d sooner hear from you so that we can make sure you’re safe. If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s OK. There are a range of places to get support, advice and medical help.

You can speak to a number of organisations in confidence and what you tell them won't be shared with the police unless you ask for it to be.

https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/