JAMIE BICKNELL AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN GOSPORT

A man with a disturbing record of sexual misconduct has been sentenced to prison following a brutal incident in Gosport. Jamie Bicknell, who had been under the influence of alcohol, subjected a woman to a terrifying and invasive assault on Stoke Road on the evening of February 2, 2021.

The incident unfolded shortly after Bicknell, aged 32, was asked to leave a local restaurant due to his drunken behavior. Witnesses described how he had been disorderly after ordering food, creating a disruptive scene before stepping outside. It was during this time that he approached the female victim and began making inappropriate and lewd remarks. Ignoring her attempts to walk away, Bicknell refused to leave her alone, instead escalating his harassment.

According to the court proceedings, Bicknell grabbed the woman by her throat and hair while she was trying to pass by him in the street. His actions caused her substantial fear and distress. Not stopping there, he proceeded to touch her sexually in the groin area, a move that left her feeling utterly violated. The judge, Timothy Mousley KC, detailed how Bicknell’s hand remained on her for several seconds before she managed to escape the situation.

Surveillance footage played a pivotal role in tracing Bicknell’s steps. It revealed that he had traveled from his home on Gregson Avenue via bus, where he engaged in conversation with the bus driver about his first name and shared details about mutual acquaintances. This exchange provided law enforcement officials with enough information to identify and locate him.

The victim, who was once a lively and outgoing person, described how her world was turned upside down following the attack. Her sense of safety was shattered, and she now suffers from anxiety, requiring ongoing medication. She recounted that Bicknell invaded her personal space in a manner she found utterly disgusting and felt deeply violated.

Following a retrial, jurors found Bicknell guilty of sexual assault. The court acknowledged that he has diagnosed bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, conditions believed to have played a role during a tumultuous period in his personal life, compounded by issues with alcohol and relationship difficulties. The judge sentenced him to two and a half years in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, Bicknell was issued an indefinite restraining order and ordered to register as a sex offender.

Sophie Close, a police investigator, emphasized the bravery of the victim in coming forward, stating that reporting sexual crimes requires a lot of courage. She praised her for working with authorities to ensure Bicknell was held accountable. The police continue to highlight their commitment to protecting the public, especially in busy nightlife areas, through frequent patrols aimed at preventing such behavior, identifying vulnerable individuals, and providing safeguarding advice.

Authorities reiterate that incidents of this nature are taken very seriously, and they encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences similar conduct to report it immediately, reinforcing their stance against sexual violence and harassment in the community.