STEPHEN APPLEBY SENTENCED IN DORSET FOR RAPE INCIDENT IN WILTSHIRE

A man from Dorset has been sentenced to prison following a harrowing incident that took place in Wiltshire. Stephen Appleby, aged 61 and residing on Diana Way in Corfe Mullen, was convicted of a serious sexual assault after a woman recorded the assault on her mobile phone. The incident occurred on September 5, 2021, and the evidence captured on the victim’s device played a crucial role in securing the guilty verdict.

Appleby appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday, where he was handed a five-year prison sentence. The court proceedings revealed the details of the case, which had been thoroughly investigated by authorities. The victim’s mobile footage was presented as key evidence during the trial, which concluded with a guilty verdict in December. The court heard how the distressing event had a profound impact on her life.

In a heartfelt statement read aloud in court, the woman expressed the emotional toll the incident had taken on her. She stated, “This is a lifetime sentence for me and one I will carry forever.” Her words reflected the deep trauma and lasting scars left by the assault. Despite the pain, she also conveyed a sense of relief, saying, “I felt great relief knowing I was believed.” She added that the knowledge of Appleby’s imprisonment provided her with a measure of freedom, but she acknowledged that this sense of safety was temporary, contingent on his incarceration.

Wiltshire Police’s Detective Sergeant Roxanne Whitton publicly acknowledged the victim’s bravery in coming forward. She praised her for her “huge courage to report the incident” and highlighted the support she received throughout the judicial process. The victim was assisted by police officers, Horizon, and independent sexual violence advisors, all of whom helped her navigate the difficult journey toward justice.

Det Sgt Whitton expressed hope that the prison sentence would serve as a form of solace for the victim and aid her in moving forward with her life. The case underscores the importance of victim support and the impact of evidence in securing justice for survivors of sexual assault.