Man Jailed for Non-Recent Sexual Abuse of Two Girls in Havant

Robert Campbell, 62, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the sexual abuse of two girls, including two counts of raping a girl under the age of 16, in Havant. The abuse occurred between 2013 and 2015, when the victims were both under the age of 16.

The girls, now adults, came forward in April 2021 to report the abuse. An investigation was launched, leading to Campbell's arrest on April 30. He was charged with seven offenses related to the abuse, including two counts of raping a girl under 16, two counts of assaulting a girl under 16 by touching, and three counts of causing or inciting a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

Campbell initially denied the charges but was found guilty on all seven counts on January 23 after a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court. He was sentenced on May 10 at the same court.

In addition to his prison sentence, Campbell was also issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to comply with Sexual Offender Register notification requirements indefinitely.

DC Leanne Boyd, who led the investigation, praised the victims for their courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation. She stated, "These two brave women should be commended for their courage in disclosing the most awful events of their childhood, and supporting this investigation to ensure Campbell could not hurt anyone again. Justice has been served on Campbell. The abuse he inflicted on the two survivors when they were so young is absolutely horrific."

Boyd also emphasized the importance of seeking support if you have been a victim of abuse: "He will now spend a lengthy period of time in jail, and I hope this case gives other survivors the confidence that if they have been abused, they will be heard and believed and we will do all we can to protect them and give them justice."

If you have been affected by child sexual abuse, you can contact the police on 101 to speak to an officer in confidence. Hampshire Constabulary also acknowledges that not everyone feels comfortable speaking to police and encourages individuals to reach out to support services for help.