Man sentenced to more than six years for the rape of a woman in Hedge End

A man has been sentenced to six years and nine months for the rape of a woman in Hedge End.

 

Shane Truckle, 41, of New Road in Netley Abbey was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court today (2 February).

 

He plead not guilty to the rape, which happened on 12 February 2017, but was found guilty by a jury after a trial in December 2022. 

 

The jury heard how the victim, a woman in her 30’s, went back to a house for some drinks after an evening out. She reported falling asleep on the sofa and waking up to Truckle having sex with her without her consent.

 

An investigation was launched in June 2019, led by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s specialist Operation Amberstone team, after the victim found the confidence to report the incident to police.

 

The victim’s visually recorded evidence, as well as statements from medical professionals, led to Truckle being charged with one count of rape in June 2021.

 

In a victim impact statement read at court, the woman involved described how the incident impacted her relationships and her mental health. She said “I don't like to go out for a meal and if I see people that look like him then I go into a panic. Whenever I go out somewhere I feel I am looking for him. I have nightmares, the re-occurring dreams of what happened.”

 

On sentencing Detective Sergeant Claire Grant, the officer in case, said: “This crime has had a lasting impact on the victim, and her life.

 

“It takes great courage for people to come forward and speak to us about incidents of this nature, and that should never be underestimated. I hope this case goes to show that regardless of how long ago a rape happened, we will work tirelessly to target perpetrators and provide specialist support to survivors.

 

“We want our communities to know that we stand with them, and will do all in our power to bring the offenders of these horrendous crimes to justice.”

 

 We encourage anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse to report this to police on 101 or via our online reporting tool.

 

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress or you feel that you’re in danger.

 

For more information on where to seek independent support as a survivor of sexual offences, you can visit this page on our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/