Man jailed for 13 years for non-recent sexual offences in Basingstoke

A man has been jailed for 13 years after admitting 17 sexual offences, including raping a child in Basingstoke.

John Benjamin, 80, from Dymchurch Road, New Romney, Kent, was jailed at Salisbury Crown Court on Thursday 14 September.

All of the offences took place against one victim in Basingstoke between 2010 and 2018.

Benjamin pleaded guilty to:

- Raping a girl under 13 x 3
- Inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity – penetration
- Inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity – no penetration x 4
- Assaulting a girl under 13 by touching x 3
- Assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration with a part of your body / a thing x 2
- Adult sexual activity with a female child aged 13 to 17 – penetration x 3
- Causing a child under 13 to watch / look at an image of sexual activity

Benjamin received a 13-year custodial sentence for the most serious offence, raping a girl under 13. This sentence includes a licence extension of one year.

He received sentences ranging from nine years to 18 months for the other offences he admitted. All sentences are to run concurrently.

PC Paul Headen at Hampshire Constabulary’s specialist rape unit Operation Amberstone, said: “This is an appalling list of horrific crimes against a young girl.

“I would like to commend the victim for coming forward as her evidence and support throughout our investigation helped secure this outcome.

“It has been a harrowing experience for the victim to have to re-live, but her bravery to report this has allowed us to bring this sickening offender to justice.

“Benjamin is a predatory individual whose despicable actions have had a long-standing impact on a young woman, who has to live with the memory of this awful abuse.

“I would like to assure the public that our officers take all allegations of sexual assault and abuse very seriously, and I want victims to be confident that they will be heard and listened to, and their reports will be believed.

“I hope the outcome of this case reassures other survivors of abuse that you will be listened to, and we will do everything we can to support you and bring those responsible to justice.”

If you have been affected by child sexual abuse you can contact police on 101 and speak to a police officer in confidence.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there are support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood or is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline confidentially on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

You can also visit our website for further information about support services near you: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/