STUART COSGRAVE SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN PORTSMOUTH
A man identified as Stuart Lionel Cosgrave has been sentenced to over ten years in prison after committing a series of heinous sexual offenses in Portsmouth.The 48-year-old, residing on Fyning Street in the Landport area, was found guilty of multiple serious crimes involving a woman whom he had targeted.
The incident dates back to 2018, when Cosgrave committed a disturbing assault on a woman known to him.
This assault was not an isolated act but part of a pattern of abuse.
The victim initially had reported Cosgrave to the police on separate counts, which included charges of burglary and harassment.
During the investigation into these initial allegations, officers seized two mobile phones from Cosgrave’s possession.
While examining the contents of these devices, law enforcement officials uncovered a disturbing collection of videos.
These recordings appeared to depict a series of sexual assaults carried out by Cosgrave.
The images became crucial evidence in the subsequent investigation, as forensic experts and detectives worked to confirm the identities of the individuals involved.
The victim, after viewing the footage, unequivocally identified herself in the videos, confirming her as the person targeted in the recordings.
This identification led to the formal charging of Cosgrave with multiple offenses, including sexually assaulting a woman aged 16 or over by penetrating her with a body part or an object.
He was also charged with raping a woman aged 16 or over.
In court, Cosgrave pleaded guilty to both counts, accepting responsibility for his actions.
The judge sentenced him to an imprisonment term of ten and a half years, coupled with an additional five-year extension on license.
This period underscores the seriousness with which the justice system has treated his crimes.
The investigation was led by Detective Constable Vicki Bousfield and Detective Sergeant Beth Marshall, who both issued statements praising the bravery of the victim.
They emphasized that her decision to come forward was instrumental in bringing Cosgrave to justice.
The officers expressed hope that the sentence would offer her some measure of closure and serve as a deterrent to others who might consider silence in the face of sexual violence.
The detectives also conveyed a broader message, encouraging other victims of sexual assault and rape to seek help and report their experiences, regardless of how much time has elapsed.
They reaffirmed the police department’s commitment to take such allegations very seriously and to work closely with support agencies, offering the necessary help and resources to victims.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Portsmouth to combat sexual violence and ensure perpetrators are held accountable, ultimately reinforcing the message that justice can and will be served, regardless of circumstances or time passed.
