Man Jailed for 12.5 Years for Rape in Lee-on-the-Solent

Richard John Babington, 56, of Twyford Road in Eastleigh, has been sentenced to 12 years and 6 months in prison for raping a woman in Lee-on-the-Solent.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard that Babington had been drinking with the victim overnight on February 23, 2019. In the early hours of February 24, the woman awoke to find Babington sexually assaulting her in a motorhome he owned at a caravan park on Browndown Road.

Babington continued to rape the woman in the motorhome before she managed to escape and contact the police. Officers arrived at the scene and arrested Babington.

Following a lengthy investigation, Babington was charged with multiple offenses. The case went to trial on May 17, 2023, and despite his denials, he was found guilty by a jury on May 24 of two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration.

At his sentencing on July 23, 2023, Babington was given a prison sentence of 12 years and 6 months.

Detective Sergeant Heather Hudson commented: "This was a horrendous assault, and I commend the bravery of the woman who has had to endure a lengthy investigation and trial process due to Babington's callous denials. He plied this woman with alcohol and took advantage of her, continuing to subject her to a horrendous assault after she regained consciousness. I am pleased the jury saw through his lies and he is now being rightly punished for this terrible crime."