Amesbury Man Jailed for Rape

A man from Amesbury has been sentenced to 28 months imprisonment for raping a woman in her own home. Ben Churcher, 22, of Muggleton Road, Amesbury, was found guilty following a trial at Salisbury Crown Court on January 31, 2025. He will also be placed on the sex offenders register for ten years and subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim for five years.

The victim bravely reported the assault to police in 2021 after enduring a year of silence following the attack which occurred in 2020. During that time, she contemplated suicide and felt isolated by her experience. In a statement read to the court, the victim described feeling "dirty in my own skin" and unable to cope with the overwhelming sense of loneliness. She also spoke about the impact on her family, who worry about her safety and well-being.

The trial, which concluded on November 27, 2024, brought back all the trauma for the victim, causing her to struggle with sleep, focus, and work. She expressed fear of Churcher's retaliation due to his previous threats, adding that she felt constantly under scrutiny from his friends and family who dismissed her as a liar. The victim found solace in finally having closure and knowing the truth being recognized.

Detective Constable Deborah Laycock commended the victim for her courage and resilience throughout the process of bringing Churcher to justice. She emphasized that anyone who has experienced sexual assault should report it to the police, assuring them that they will receive support and perpetrators will be held accountable.