ROBERT GORDON SENTENCED IN BASINGSTOKE FOR MULTIPLE OFFENSES INCLUDING RAPE
Rapist Robert Gordon, a man with a history of violence and over 50 previous offenses, has been convicted of attacking a woman in Basingstoke's War Memorial Park in July 1981.Gordon, who has a lengthy criminal record, served four years for raping a 14-year-old girl in 1982, just three years after marrying his wife Michele, who continues to stand by him.
Gordon, of Gainsborough Road, Black Dam, Basingstoke, was found guilty by a jury in December of charges including rape, indecent assault, and making threats to kill regarding the 1981 assault.
The conviction followed a six-day trial at Winchester Crown Court, during which jurors learned that a partial DNA profile obtained from samples taken from the victim matched Gordon, who was known to often walk in the area where the attack occurred.
Sentencing Gordon to nine years in prison, Judge Mr.
Justice Hamblen described the incident as “terrifying” for the victim, emphasizing that the traumatic experience has had a “lasting effect” on her life.
The victim, then in her 30s, recounted that she was walking her two dogs through the park when Gordon approached her asking for directions.
He then suddenly kicked her legs from under her, forcing her to the ground, and proceeded to punch her and bang her head on the ground.
Gordon raped her at knifepoint, ignoring her cries and warnings, and threatening to kill her if she made a noise.
He pressed the knife hard against her chest, leaving a scar that she still bears today.
The jury took four hours over two days to find Gordon guilty.
In addition to this attack, it was revealed that Gordon has an extensive criminal history, including 13 convictions for 55 offenses such as burglary, theft, assault, and actual bodily harm, prior to 1981.
He was also convicted of harassment in 2008 against his wife’s best friend, receiving a six-month sentence, and again for harassment in 2010, which resulted in a suspended sentence.
During the sentencing hearing, Gordon’s defender, Nick Wayne, argued that apart from his past offenses, Gordon had “turned his life around,” and expressed concern that a lengthy sentence would have a devastating impact on his wife and children.
Ultimately, Judge Hamblen sentenced Gordon to nine years for the rape offense, with an additional 12 months for indecent assault and three years for threats to kill, all to run concurrently.
Gordon showed no emotion as he received his sentence.
