Man jailed for rape of woman at her Ludgershall home
61 year old Stephen Appleby from Dorset has been sentenced
Last updated 24th Feb 2025
A man's been jailed for five years, for the rape of a woman at her home in Ludgershall.
61 year old Stephen Appleby from Diana Way in Corfe Mullen, Dorset has been sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court today (Monday 24th February).
He was found guilty during a trial in December.
What happened?
Appleby attacked his victim in September 2021 - she'd recorded the incident and reported it to police after listening back to it.
In a statement read to the court his victim said: "I feel great relief in knowing that I was believed and that I am going to gain some freedom in knowing that Stephen will be sent to prison. However, I know this freedom will only last as long as his sentence and how long of this he will serve.
"This is a life time sentence for me and one I will carry forever."
DS Roxanne Whitton from Wiltshire Police said: "I would like to thank the victim who took huge courage to report this incident to the police. The judicial process has been long for her and she has had support from police officers, Horizon and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) throughout.
"This offence took place inside the victim's home, which should have been her safe place. She has taken the last few years a day at a time and found the strength to continue through the investigation and the court process.
"I hope this sentence will be will be a solace for her and that she can continue her journey in moving on and learning to enjoy her life again.
"I also hope that the sentence sends a message to people who have been a victim that you are not alone, report to the police and we will listen and we can signpost you to other support."
If you have been the victim of sexual assault, or know someone that has, you're encouraged to get in touch with police or one of their partner agencies.
That includes sexual assault referral centres (SARCs), who have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers on hand 24 hours a day, offering medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.