WINCHESTER MAN LIAM FOARD SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

A Winchester man, Liam Foard, has received a 13-year prison sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting a vulnerable woman. Foard, 31, initially denied charges of rape and assault by penetration but changed his plea last month.

During the sentencing at Winchester Crown Court, the judge stated that Foard, who is already a convicted rapist, poses a danger to the public, warranting an extended sentence. Foard, of Wales Street, Winnall, was sentenced to nine years in prison, with an additional four-year extended license. He will not be eligible to apply for parole until at least six years into his sentence, and there will be no release at the halfway point.

Court proceedings revealed that Foard had, on July 23 of the previous year, enticed a woman with learning difficulties out of her home during the night and assaulted her. The following day, he was arrested, initially denying the allegations, but DNA evidence confirmed his guilt.

Foard did not appear in person in court, instead connecting via video link from Winchester Prison. He was dressed in grey tracksuit bottoms and a grey Adidas sweatshirt, with a shaven head and beard. Initially, he declined even to appear via video.

The court heard that Foard had told probation staff he still considered himself a danger to the public, effectively pressing a 'self-destruct button.'

During the hearing, Adam Norris, representing Foard, discussed the pre-sentence report, describing it as a difficult document. Norris said, "On any view it is a difficult report to deal with. It is a report where Foard has pressed the self-destruct button. He has descended into a realm of despair, where he appears to be operating beyond the normal boundaries and limits expected to be enforced in society. One doesn't know if it is for survival about what lies ahead or whether he seeks notoriety."

Norris also noted that Foard chose not to appear in court but did so via video link, highlighting a possible contradiction in his behavior. He suggested there might be a change of heart soon, noting, "There is something of the bold statement followed by a somewhat meeker acceptance that appears in his behaviour. There may be a change of heart in due course."

In his sentencing remarks, Mr. Recorder Christopher Quinlan QC acknowledged Foard's extensive criminal history, which includes 28 court appearances for 55 offenses. Notably, Foard was convicted of rape in 2013 and released in 2018.

The judge emphasized the impact of the recent attack on the victim, stating, "The effects on her life have been profound. She remains scared of you and what you did to her."

Foard, who has demonstrated no remorse, was characterized by the judge as a danger to others. Although Foard may have made statements to the probation service to boost his self-image, the judge remarked, "It is some time since I have read a pre-sentence report devoid of hope but laced with menace."

Additionally, Foard was ordered to have three minor offences—he denied these charges—be recorded on his file. He will also be on the sex offenders register for the remainder of his life.