NEIL SKINNER BOURNEMOUTH RAPIST SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the Bournemouth community, Neil Skinner, a 49-year-old man from Bournemouth, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years following his conviction for multiple serious sexual offences. The crimes committed by Skinner included the rape of two young girls and an attempted rape of a man, acts that have left lasting scars on the victims and raised significant concerns about public safety in the area.

These charges came to light during a hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court last week, where Skinner pleaded guilty to eight counts of rape and sexual assault. Additionally, he admitted to two other separate offences—an attempted rape and an act of sexual assault—further illustrating the extent of his criminal behavior. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing nature of his crimes, which targeted vulnerable individuals, including minors.

Judge Samuel Wiggs delivered the sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Skinner’s actions and the need to protect the public from further harm. He imposed a 12-year concurrent sentence for each of the initial eight counts of rape and sexual assault. Recognizing Skinner’s dangerous offender status, the judge also added a six-year extension period to his sentence, making the total incarceration period even more severe. Judge Wiggs stated, “I am quite satisfied in these circumstances that it is necessary for the protection of the public from serious harm caused by you to impose an extended sentence.”

He further commented on the impact of Skinner’s crimes, noting that the victims, particularly the very young girls, would likely carry the trauma for the rest of their lives. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such offences are regarded and the importance of safeguarding the community.

During mitigation, Fern Russell, representing Skinner, expressed that her client would welcome a longer sentence, citing it as a means of protecting the public and himself. She remarked, “It is unusual in defence to come across someone with such disarming candour.”

Regarding the attempted rape, Russell explained that Skinner had told police he was trying to lift the victim’s spirits, claiming both he and the male victim “felt low,” and that he was sorry for upsetting him. She also suggested that Skinner’s attitude towards sex might have been influenced by a previous relationship with an older man, which could have distorted his perceptions.

Skinner, who resides on Robert Louis Stevenson Avenue, received additional sentences of three years for attempted rape and one year for sexual assault, both to run concurrently with his primary sentence. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and comply with an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, measures designed to monitor and restrict his activities to prevent further harm. The court’s rulings reflect the seriousness of his offences and the ongoing need for community protection.