Man charged with the rape of 13-year-old girl in Southampton

Officers investigating the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Southampton have now charged a 48-year-old man.

It was reported to us that some time overnight between Thursday 26 December and Friday 27 December the girl was raped by a man she had met that evening at an address in the St Mary’s area.

An investigation was launched and as a result Damian Andre Martin, of Millbrook Road West, has now been charged with rape, sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, assault by beating and taking a child so as to keep him/her from a person having lawful control.

He is due to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday 31 December).

A second man, a 50-year-old from Southampton, has been arrested on suspicion of rape and released on conditional police bail to allow for further enquiries to continue.

The girl is currently being supported by specialist officers.

We want to remind you of the support available to children who have experienced, or are experiencing, sexual abuse of any form. We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police straight away, but there are other support services available that you can access.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111. If you are concerned about a child then you can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]

For those in Southampton, Yellow Door, a local charity, can also offer you a range of help and support. You can visit their website at yellowdoor.org.uk or contact them on 023 8063 6312.

Read more here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/