STEPHEN DRINKELL SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN NEWPORT ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

In a case that has shocked the community of Newport on the Isle of Wight, convicted rapist Stephen Drinkell was handed a prison sentence of 42 months at Newport Isle of Wight Crown Court in April 2015. The conviction followed a serious incident that occurred on February 16, 2014, involving a 19-year-old woman who was subjected to a brutal sexual assault.

At the time of the assault, Drinkell, aged 26, was residing with his father in Newport. The trial, which lasted nearly a year, saw Drinkell initially plead not guilty to the charges. However, after careful consideration of the evidence presented, the jury found him guilty of the rape. The sentencing took place on April 23, 2015, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victim.

As part of his punishment, Drinkell was ordered to register as a sex offender under Section 92 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. This registration is to be maintained indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. Additionally, the court mandated that he be placed on the Disclosure and Barring Service’s (DBS) barring list, which effectively prevents him from working in roles that involve contact with vulnerable individuals, including children and at-risk adults.

The victim, who has chosen to speak publicly about her ordeal, described the traumatic events of that day. She recounted how, following a Valentine’s Day gathering, Drinkell forced himself upon her the morning after. She expressed her shock and disbelief, saying, “I think I was in shock. Things had been heated before, but I never expected this.” Her courage in sharing her story highlights the lasting impact of the assault.

Initially hesitant to report the crime, the victim was motivated to come forward by a desire to prevent others from suffering similar experiences. She explained, “The thought of someone else going through what I went through pushed me to report it.” Despite facing intimidation from Drinkell during the investigation—who sought to appear in places where she was likely to be—she persisted in her pursuit of justice. Her determination ultimately led to his conviction.

The relatively short prison term of 42 months has been a source of frustration for the victim, who continues to grapple with the emotional and psychological scars left by the assault. She expressed her ongoing pain, stating, “He just got on with his life, while I’m still here, dealing with what he did to me every single day. The abuse has left lasting scars.” Her story underscores the profound and enduring impact of sexual violence on survivors and the importance of justice in such cases.