Man jailed for eight and a half years for robbery and sexual assault in Waterlooville

Lee Alan Kneller, 39, of Chaffinch Green, Waterlooville appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 7 February, where he was sentenced to eight and a half years imprisonment for robbery and sexual assault.

On Saturday 8 June 2024, officers were called to reports that the woman in her 40s had been attending an address on Vian Road in her role as a carer, when Kneller had knocked on the door and pushed his way past her into the address, claiming to need to use the bathroom.

The woman told Kneller to leave, however he proceeded to sexually assault her and demand money, before stealing her handbag and fleeing the address.

An investigation was immediately launched by Havant and East Hants Criminal Investigations Department, and thanks to CCTV enquiries and the public’s response to a media appeal for information, Kneller was quickly identified and arrested later the same day.

Kneller pleaded guilty to both robbery and sexual assault and was sentenced on Friday 7 February to eight and a half years imprisonment and order to sign the sexual offender’s register indefinitely.

Officer in charge of the case DC Ashlee Wait said, “I am very happy to see Lee Kneller face justice for his crimes and would like to thank the public for their assistance in helping us get him off of the streets as swiftly as possible.

“Kneller’s crimes against a woman who was simply doing her job are horrendous, and I am glad to see him put behind bars. No one should feel unsafe in their place of work and I commend the victim highly for coming forward and helping us prevent Kneller from attacking anyone else.

“If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, please report it to us – you will be listened to and you will be taken seriously.”

To find out more information about how to report these crimes and where to go for support, please visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/police-forces/hampshire-constabulary/areas/campaigns/2022/violence-against-women-and-girls/

In an emergency, always dial 999.