Ringwood man James Lidbetter sentenced to four years in jail for rape

A RINGWOOD man's conviction for rape should give confidence to sexual assault victims to come forward, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

James Lidbetter (39), was sentenced to four years' jail this morning (Friday) at Bournemouth Crown Court by Judge Jonathan Fuller.

He had been unanimously found guilty of one count of rape, committed in 2015, by a jury after a trial at the same court.

His defence had focused on the issue of consent.

At the sentencing hearing, the victim – who cannot be named for legal reasons – said the incident had a “massive impact” on her life and health.

She said she had been forced to undergo therapy, barely slept and was on anti-depressant medication.

“I can now describe myself as lost, not living, just existing,” she said. “I have lost interest in everything I ever loved.”

Speaking after the hearing, Sophie Stephens, head of the CPS Wessex rape and serious sexual offences unit, said the outcome was testimony to the bravery of the victim.

She added: “As part of our long-term partnership with Dorset Police to improve outcomes for victims in rape and serious sexual assault cases, we are working together from an early stage to ensure there is sufficient evidence to prosecute, and to better support victims through the criminal justice system.

“I want to encourage victims to feel confident in coming forward to report rape and serious sexual assaults to the police.

“Our team of dedicated and specialist prosecutors are committed to delivering justice for victims, and we will do all we can to ensure perpetrators experience the full force of the law.”