Man convicted of raping teenager at Totton park after offering lift home

A MAN has been convicted of raping a 17-year-old girl in Totton after offering her a lift home.

Marlon Nelson (34) was found guilty yesterday (Thursday) at Southampton Crown Court and will be sentenced in September.

The jury heard how Nelson, of no fixed abode, committed the crime as he was returning from a night out on 11th November 2014.

He asked the teenager if she needed driving home and went on to rape her in the back of his car at Testwood recreation ground.

At the end of a seven-day trial, he was found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of digital penetration.

The charges included the rape and sexual assault of a then-20-year-old woman at Ampfield recreation ground, near Romsey, in late November 2017.

Nelson will return to court for sentencing on 27th September.

After the verdict, the officers in the case, DC Lisa Robins and Police Staff Investigator Kerrie Green, highlighted the horrific experiences of the victims and their courage during the trial.

In a joint statement they said: “We cannot underestimate the trauma that both women have suffered. Rape is one of the most serious crimes a person can survive.

"We would like to commend both women on the bravery and courage they’ve shown, which has helped secure today’s guilty verdict.

“We know that this will have no doubt brought up memories of the incident for them both, especially since there has been a significant time delay since the initial report.

"We’re hoping that this will bring them some form of closure, and that they can now begin to move forward with their lives.

They added: “Rape investigations are some of the most complex cases we work on, and each case requires careful review and collaboration between the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

"We are working hard in partnership with CPS Wessex to identify offenders and get justice for victims of rape and serious sexual assault cases.

“We want to show you that no matter the circumstances, Hampshire Constabulary is committed to supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault and we will do everything we can to identify offenders and put them in front of a court.”

Advice for victims of sexual assault is available at www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/