CHRISTCHURCH MAN JAILED FOR RAPE IN RINGWOOD
A man aged 29 from Christchurch has received a prison sentence of three years and nine months following his conviction for the rape of a woman in Ringwood.Joshua Blachford, who resides on Everest Road, admitted guilt to the charges and appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday, August 12, for sentencing.
The assault took place at a residence in Ringwood over the weekend of February 17 and 18.
The victim described the experience as 'horrific' and shared how it has drastically affected her life.
She expressed that prior to the assault, she was confident, social, and full of energy and aspirations.
Now, she feels like a stranger to herself, as though her identity has been stolen in a single traumatic event.
She also stated that she no longer feels like herself, describing herself as a target, and noted that the incident has profoundly altered her perception of the world, her self-image, and her future.
She emphasized that recovery doesn’t mean returning to her previous state, as that no longer exists for her, and she has accepted that her former self may never return—a grief she bears alongside her other struggles.
Once released, Blachford will be required to register with the police.
