KRYSTIAN KWARTA SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND ASSAULT IN SOUTHAMPTON

A man has been sentenced to prison after assaulting and raping a woman near West Quay shopping centre in Southampton. Krystian Kwarta, 20, of Keyhaven Road, Milford-on-Sea, received an eight-year prison sentence, with an additional four years on licence, for the assault on a 21-year-old woman as she was walking to work in Southampton city centre on Saturday, February 15.

The police launched an investigation after the woman reported that a man she did not know had grabbed her from behind and raped her near West Quay. Southampton’s Operation Amberstone team quickly analyzed extensive CCTV footage covering West Quay retail park and identified a suspect in the area where the attack occurred.

CCTV footage revealed that shortly before 8 am, the suspect, now identified as Kwarta, began following the woman toward the shopping centre. Moments later, he violently attacked and raped her. Once the suspect was identified, police conducted thorough CCTV analysis which led them to a residence in Milford-on-Sea. Krystian Kwarta was then arrested and taken to Southampton Central police station for questioning.

DNA evidence confirmed that Kwarta's DNA matched that found at the scene. On February 18, officers charged him with two counts of rape and one count of assault. He pleaded guilty to these charges at Southampton Crown Court on March 20. Today, he was sentenced to eight years in prison with an additional four years on licence.

Deputy Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Claire Ratcliffe, commented: "This was a premeditated, violent attack on a young woman on her way to work. It was evident that Kwarta had been waiting in the area before observing his victim and following her for the assault. Thanks to a swift and thorough investigation by Southampton’s Operation Amberstone team, which reflects our determination to find dangerous offenders and deliver justice, Kwarta was arrested and charged within days.

"The forensic evidence and CCTV footage left Kwarta with little choice but to admit guilt, and I am pleased that we could bring him to justice without forcing the victim to relive her trauma in court."

She also praised the victim for her bravery: "This has been a traumatic experience for her, and I want to commend her courage in coming forward and reporting what happened. I hope today’s sentence provides her some closure and helps her begin to move forward."

The investigation involved collaboration with the Yellow Door Independent Sexual Violence Advocate Service to ensure ongoing support for the victim. Detective Sergeant Ratcliffe expressed hope that such cases and successful convictions encourage more victims to come forward and report incidents."