JOSEPH FAULKNER SENTENCED IN NORTH LEIGH FOR RAPE AT WOODMAN PUB IN OXFORDSHIRE

In July 2023, a man from North Leigh named Joseph Faulkner was sentenced to serve a significant prison term after being convicted of raping a woman he met during a night out. The incident took place in the vicinity of the Woodman pub, located in North Leigh, Oxfordshire, and the case drew considerable attention due to the circumstances surrounding the assault and the victim’s subsequent trauma.

Joseph Faulkner, aged 40, faced a trial at Oxford Crown Court where he maintained that any sexual activity with the woman was consensual. He argued that the reason the encounter did not result in intercourse was due to the effects of alcohol he had consumed, which he claimed impaired his ability to function biologically. Despite his defense, the jury was not convinced, and in May, they found him guilty of rape along with two additional counts of sexual assault.

During the sentencing hearing held on Thursday, July 27, the victim delivered an impact statement, which was read aloud by prosecutor Matthew Walsh. In her statement, she expressed her hope that the legal proceedings would prevent Faulkner from committing such a horrific offense again in the future. She also conveyed her desire to finally be able to move forward with her life after the traumatic experience.

Judge Maria Lamb sentenced Joseph Faulkner to eight and a half years in prison. She clarified that he would serve two-thirds of this sentence behind bars before becoming eligible for parole. The judge emphasized that the victim had made it clear on multiple occasions that she had no interest in any sexual activity with Faulkner. Despite this, he took advantage of the situation when they were in the same quarters, just as she was preparing to go to bed.

Judge Lamb pointed out that the victim was either asleep or under the influence of alcohol at the time, which made her particularly vulnerable. She also noted that the victim was suffering from personal circumstances that legally classified her as especially susceptible. The judge highlighted the profound harm caused to her, including the impact on her mental health, her relationship with her then-boyfriend, and her enjoyment of pregnancy, which was reportedly affected by the incident.

The court revealed that the victim was on anti-depressant medication at the time, further underscoring her vulnerability. The assault and its aftermath had significant repercussions on her personal life and well-being. As part of the sentence, Faulkner will remain on the sex offender register for life, reflecting the severity of his crime and the lasting impact on the victim.