VICTIM PRAISES SUPPORT OF POLICE AS STAMFORD MAN JAILED FOR 6 YEARS AT LEICESTER CROWN COURT FOR RAPE
The victim of a sexual assault has praised the support she received from police as a man was jailed for six years today (Friday, March 15).Liam Jackson, 29, of Edward Road, Stamford, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court after being found guilty in January of one court of rape and charge of engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the second count of rape and it was agreed not to pursue with a re-trial.
As well as a total of six years in prison, Jackson was given a restraining order.
His victim has praised the investigating officer in her case, Detective Constable Sarah Hogan, saying: “Sarah never let me feel alone in the loneliest time of my life.” These are the words of a sexual assault victim who has nothing but praise for the investigating officer in her case – Detective Constable Sarah Hogan.
The victim spoke to Leicestershire Police following a report made to police that she had been raped, controlled, coerced, and harassed by Liam Jackson.
Det Con Hogan was assigned to the case as the investigating officer the following day.
The attending officer took an initial account from the victim and Sarah, once she was allocated the report to investigate, video interviewed the victim in a more comfortable environment at Juniper Lodge to get her evidential account.
Sarah investigated this crime as part of the force's Signal team, a dedicated team of officers responsible for the investigation of rape and sexual assault reports made to the force.
Sarah’s role, as a specialist officer, was to support and guide the victim through the process of giving her account as well as the investigation that followed.
Jackson was arrested and in interview, he admitted that sexual activity took place between them but claimed it was consensual.
He also denied any harassment or controlling behaviour.
Subsequent enquiries supported the victims account, and Jackson was charged with two counts of rape and one count of engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour.
Details from the case reveal Jackson had strangled the victim multiple times, and she disclosed the rape in text messages to her friends.
He also controlled her by making her delete social media accounts and forced her to show her browsing history.
Jackson commented on her clothing, prompting her to change her style for his approval, and restricted her access to friends, including intimidating her male friends.
She also left her job, and when she found a new one, he disapproved and was jealous of her male colleagues.
After Jackson's conviction, the victim expressed her gratitude to the police, particularly Det Con Hogan, stating: “When this happened, I had my whole world ripped apart...
I finally realised what was happening to me and how I was being hurt.
My first conversation with Sarah, I was asking her ‘Is it really that bad?’ I cried like I had never cried before, and Sarah stayed with me.” The victim also shared that, thanks to Sarah’s kindness and support, she was able to speak about her trauma, feel safe, and begin to recover.
She described Sarah as her hero, saying: “I feel a bit like I hit a lottery win with my police officer; she is an absolutely wonderful woman.” DC Sarah Hogan reflected on the case, emphasizing her commitment to supporting victims and hoping this case encourages others to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Chris Baker praised Hogan’s professionalism and the dignity she showed the victim throughout the process, highlighting the importance of respectful support in such cases.
Details on who to contact if you've been a victim of a sexual offence can be found at https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences.
Many agencies offer independent help and support to victims across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
