DAVID LAMPORT SENTENCED IN GUILDFORD FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN FARNHAM ROAD CAR PARK

A 23-year-old man from Guildford, identified as David Lamport, has been handed down an eight-year prison sentence following his conviction for attempted rape and sexual assault that took place in April 2017. The incident occurred in the Farnham Road car park, a well-known location in Guildford, and has left a lasting impact on the victim, whose emotional and psychological well-being has been severely affected.

On October 27, at Guildford Crown Court, Lamport was found guilty of the charges after a detailed trial. The sentencing was finalized on November 24, bringing closure to a case that has garnered significant attention due to the severity of the crimes committed. According to court records, the assault happened late at night, around 11:35 pm, when the victim was simply walking along Farnham Road. The attacker followed her into the multi-storey car park, a place often associated with quiet and routine activity, but on this night, it became the scene of a violent and traumatic event.

During the assault, Lamport grabbed the woman by the back of her hair, a move that caused her to feel immediate fear and helplessness. He then proceeded to grope her and forcibly kissed her, actions that left her physically and emotionally distressed. The victim, in a courageous act of self-preservation, managed to hit Lamport in the neck with her keys, which caused him to release her. Seizing the opportunity, she ran out into the road, flagged down a passing motorist, and contacted the police to report the attack.

The court was shown a moving statement from the victim, who described the profound and ongoing impact the assault has had on her life. She expressed feelings of insecurity and fear, stating, "As a result of the attack I just don’t feel safe anymore, even when I’m at home... I cry all the time when I’m at home and I cried at work recently. It’s not like me to cry at all. I’ve always been quite happy." Her statement revealed that she has been working differently since the incident, canceling plans such as her friend's wedding, and suffering from headaches and panic attacks, illustrating the deep psychological scars left by the assault.

Detective Constable Anne Simpson commented on the case, describing the attack as terrifying and emphasizing the importance of the prison sentence in aiding the victim’s recovery. Despite the court’s decision, some voices have expressed skepticism about whether the punishment will be sufficient, suggesting that the actual time served may be less than the sentence due to legal and procedural factors. The detailed court proceedings and the victim’s heartfelt statement underscore the brutality of the incident and highlight the lasting trauma inflicted on her. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in everyday locations like Farnham Road in Guildford and the importance of justice for victims of sexual violence.