GARY CARLISLE AND SHOCKING ATTACK IN BASINGSTOKE

A man from South Ham, Basingstoke, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after a disturbing incident that took place in the town. Gary Carlisle, aged 50 and residing on South Ham Road in South Ham, pleaded guilty to an attempted rape crime during a previous hearing and was formally sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, 18 May.

The incident in question occurred on the early hours of Sunday, 19 November 2017. According to court proceedings, Carlisle attempted to sexually assault a 38-year-old woman in the car park of The Rising Sun, a well-known pub located on Chapel Hill. The victim had been out with friends earlier that night and was returning home alone when she became the target of Carlisle’s predatory actions.

Court evidence included CCTV footage that documented the sequence of events. The footage showed Carlisle following the woman as she made her way through the town centre after her night out. The surveillance images indicated that Carlisle had been tailing her for more than 15 minutes before the assault attempt took place. This relentless following culminated in his attack in the parking lot.

Following a thorough investigation, Hampshire Constabulary identified Carlisle through forensic evidence collected at the scene and analysis of CCTV recordings. These investigative methods led directly to his arrest and subsequent charging. The case drew significant attention from local authorities and the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting.

After the sentencing, Detective Inspector Penny Murray, representing Hampshire Constabulary’s Amberstone team, expressed her thoughts on the case. She described it as a “disturbing case” and praised the victim’s bravery for her role in bringing the matter to court. DI Murray emphasized that Carlisle’s pursuit and assault of the woman demonstrated a calculated and predatory behavior.

She further remarked on the rarity of such offences in Basingstoke, but also stressed the significance of the court’s decision. “I hope that the sentence given today will give people confidence to report these crimes to us when they do occur,” she said. Detective Inspector Murray also reassured the public that Hampshire Constabulary has dedicated, specially trained officers available to support victims throughout the reporting process, acknowledging how difficult it can be for individuals to come forward, whether to report recent or past offences.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect residents from violent and predatory crimes.