Man jailed for 23 years for non-recent sexual abuse and rape

A man has been jailed for 23 years after being convicted of non-recent sexual abuse and rape.

John William Hart, 70, of Warsash Close, Havant, committed the offences against a girl who was between the ages of 12 and 14.

A court heard the incidents happened in the early 2000s.

It was heard that during this time, Hart had made threats to the girl to stop her from reporting him.

Following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court at the end of last year, Hart was convicted by a jury of 16 counts.

These were:

- three counts of indecent assault
- four of assault by penetration
- four of sexual assault
- two counts of rape
- one of attempted rape
- one of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
- and one of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child

Appearing again at Portsmouth Crown Court last Friday, Hart was jailed for 23 years and handed a sexual harm prevention order for life.

Investigating officer DC Leanne Boyd said: "I want to commend the woman who came forward and had the strength to report these matters to us.

"While no sentence will ever take away what Hart did, I hope it provides her some closure on these matters.

"Her courage has allowed us to conduct a thorough investigation and has ultimately led to this offender being jailed.

"We are committed to supporting the survivors of rape and sexual assault and will do all we can to identify offenders and put them before the courts.

"I would encourage anyone has been victim of child sexual abuse, or if they know someone who has been impacted by child sexual abuse, to contact police on 101. They can speak with our specialist officers with confidence."