GARY BISHOP OF HAMBLE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE IN HAMPSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Hamble and the wider Hampshire region, Gary Bishop, a 41-year-old man from Hamble, has been handed a life sentence following his conviction for attempting to rape a 12-year-old girl. The sentencing took place at Southampton Crown Court, where the court heard harrowing details of the incident and Bishop's criminal history.

Judge David Griffiths addressed Bishop directly, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the mandatory nature of his sentence. The judge stated that Bishop would be required to serve a minimum of four years before being eligible for parole consideration. This is in accordance with the 1997 Crimes (Sentences) Act, which mandates a life sentence for offenders who, at the time of their crime, are adults and have prior convictions for serious offences. Bishop's previous conviction in 1993 for causing grievous bodily harm with intent was a key factor in the imposition of the life sentence.

The court was told that the victim, a young girl, was so distressed by the assault that she cried herself to sleep. Bishop was also convicted of indecently assaulting her, adding to the gravity of his crimes. Prosecutor Charles Thomas recounted the distressing details, stating, "She describes the defendant giving her a cuddle but going further by putting his hands under her clothing."

Further evidence revealed that Bishop had made multiple advances towards the girl. On one occasion, he attempted to rape her after inviting her onto a sofa, but she managed to escape and confide in her mother. The police were alerted after she reported the incident, leading to Bishop's arrest. During police interviews, Bishop claimed that the girl had been wriggling next to him, which he said caused his hand to end up on her thigh, and he insisted that any contact was accidental.

Despite denying the charges, Bishop was convicted by a jury of indecent assault and attempted rape after a trial that lasted over five hours. The jury acquitted him of the actual rape charge. Bishop, who resides on Tutors Close in Hamble, has a lengthy criminal record with 23 previous convictions, including two for unlawful sexual intercourse committed when he was 19 years old with a 15-year-old girl. Most of his past offences involved dishonesty and other criminal behaviors.

During sentencing, Alistair Malcolm QC, representing Bishop, maintained his client's innocence but acknowledged the reality of the life sentence. Judge Griffiths criticized Bishop for showing no remorse and for subjecting the young victim to the trauma of a trial. The judge highlighted that the girl was small, not well-developed, and very young, making her particularly vulnerable. The court noted that Bishop's actions followed an indecent assault and involved a repeated sexual offence. Although no physical injury, pain, or bruising was inflicted, the court acknowledged that the girl struggled and tried to escape, but Bishop persisted in his assault.

In addition to the life imprisonment, Bishop was placed on an indefinite sex offenders' register, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the potential risk he poses to the community. The case has left a lasting impact on the local community of Hamble and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from predatory offenders.