Attempted rape woman followed

A Basingstoke man who stalked a woman through town before attempting to rape her has been jailed for more than seven years.

Gary Carlisle, 50, of South Ham Road, Basingstoke, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after admitting attempting to rape a woman in the town.

Carlisle admitted the offence at a previous hearing and was jailed on Friday at Winchester Crown Court.

The court heard Carlisle attempted to rape the 38-year-old woman in the car park of The Rising Sun, in Chapel Hill, between 2am and 3am on November 19 last year.

The woman was on a night out with friends when she went to walk home alone.

CCTV footage showed Carlisle following her through the town centre before attacking her.

Later that day, the victim reported what happened to the police.

Detectives identified Carlisle through forensic and CCTV enquiries and he was then arrested and charged with attempted rape.

Detective Inspector Penny Murray, from Hampshire Constabulary’s Amberstone team, said: “This was a disturbing case and I would like to thank the survivor for the bravery and courage she has shown in getting this to court.

“Carlisle followed her through the town centre after she had enjoyed a night out with friends.

“She was alone and vulnerable as she walked home and Carlisle followed her before attempting to rape her.

“Offences like these are rare in Basingstoke, but I hope that this sentence given today will give victims confidence to report these crimes to us when they do occur.

“We know how hard it is to come forward and report these offences, whether they have taken place recently or in the past, and we are committed to getting justice for victims and have specially trained officers to support them through the process.”