PHILLIP KAPSZUL FROM ROOKSDOWN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH TEENAGE GIRL IN BASINGSTOKE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Rooksdown and the wider Basingstoke area, Phillip Kapszul, a man aged 23 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The incident took place during the months of November and December 2008, when Kapszul was 19 years old, and the court heard that he had a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior towards the young girl.

According to court proceedings, the young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, would deceive her parents by pretending to attend school. In reality, she would change into her school uniform, then put on a hooded top before secretly making her way to Kapszul’s residence in Penny Black Lane, Rooksdown. Over a period of six weeks, the court was told, the pair engaged in sexual activity on multiple occasions, with the girl visiting Kapszul’s home several times a day.

Prosecutor Christopher Stopa detailed the timeline of their relationship, explaining that the friendship between Kapszul and the girl began in September 2008. Following a trip to Reading, the girl started to skip her lessons to spend time with him. Despite police awareness of the relationship at the time, Kapszul was arrested in 2009 after the couple had already broken up, but no further action was taken then.

It was only in January 2011 that the police revisited the case, prompted by the victim’s report that other schoolgirls had been visiting Kapszul’s home. This new information led to Kapszul being charged and brought to trial. The court heard that during the trial, evidence was presented that confirmed the inappropriate and illegal nature of his relationship with the young girl.

Defense lawyer Russell Pyne stated that Kapszul had since moved on with his life, having married and expecting his first child in January of the following year. Pyne emphasized that his client had achieved a level of stability that he lacked previously, suggesting a degree of remorse and personal growth.

However, Judge Keith Cutler, after reviewing all the evidence, delivered a stern sentence. Kapszul was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, reflecting the seriousness of his actions. The judge described Kapszul as forceful, at times intimidating and aggressive, during his interactions with the girl. The impact of his misconduct was significant, as it adversely affected her schooling, her ability to focus on lessons and exams, and her relationships with friends and family.

In addition to his suspended sentence, Kapszul was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years. He was also placed under a sexual offences prevention order for five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at preventing any future offenses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of predatory behavior and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young individuals in the community.