Man guilty of the repeated rape of a woman in Southampton and Eastleigh

A man has been found guilty of the repeated rape of a woman at addresses in Eastleigh and Southampton.

Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 21 January) a jury sitting at Southampton Crown Court found Ashley Scott Hudson, 30, of Chapel Drove in Eastleigh, guilty of six counts of rape and one count of attempted rape.

The jury were told how in November 2021 a woman in her 20s reported to police that Hudson had raped her on six occasions between August 2019 and October 2021, as well as attempting to rape her on one occasion.

Hudson was arrested and charged with the offences but denied them, and the case went to a trial which began on Tuesday 14 January at Southampton Crown Court.

The court heard how on each occasion Hudson had repeatedly ignored the woman involved when she told him she didn’t want to have sex with him. 
 

He was remanded in custody to appear at Southampton Crown Court for sentence on April 25^th.

Police Staff Investigator Keely Osborne of Hampshire & Isle of Wight’s Operation Amberstone unit, which specialises in investigating rape and serious sexual offences, said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to the victim in this case for reporting what happened to her so that we could bring Hudson to justice for what he has done.


“Without her courage throughout the investigation and criminal justice process we would not have secured these guilty verdicts.

“Rape, sexual offences and domestic violence have a devastating impact on victims who often feel as though they are trapped and cannot seek help. We want you to know that there is support available for you, even if you are not ready to speak to police. Please do not suffer in silence – you can call police or a domestic abuse support service. You will be listened to and you will be supported.”

For more information on the support available, and how to report to police, visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/