Andy Munns
A Salisbury man has been issued a hospital order – to be detained under the Mental Health Act – after admitting attempted rape of a teenager in June last year.
William Thomas, 29, of Macklin Road, previously pleaded guilty to attempted rape and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Winchester Crown Court heard how Thomas attacked a teenage girl as she was walking her dog in the Mill Lane area of Stratford Sub Castle, Salisbury, on the morning of June 1st.
She managed to fight him off before he ran off.
In a Victim Personal Statement, his victim said: “Since it happened my whole life has changed. In my head, my life is split into before and after the assault. It feels like everything I do is based on fear.
“I hate when my mind goes back to that day but it’s so unexpected when it does. I still have moments of dissociation when I seem to lose at least a few seconds. All I want is to feel like a normal member of society without fear being the deciding factor for my every move.
“What happened to me has changed the course of my life forever and I don’t see a reason why it shouldn’t do the same for him.”
DC Emma Fisher said: “I would like to praise the victim in this case for having the courage and conviction to see this through. The assault was terrifying for her and to relive it numerous times has been very difficult.
“Thomas attacked her in broad daylight and has changed her life forever. I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to come forward and tell someone.
“We understand it can be difficult. You might not be completely sure what happened or how to talk about it, but we have trained officers and partner organisations that are here to listen and work together to support you in any way we can.”
Information on Rape Reporting on the Wiltshire Police Website – https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/how-to-report-rape-and-sexual-assault/
David Harber
