A FATHER who followed his victim for more than 15 minutes before attacking her has been sentenced to seven and a half years in jail.

Gary Carlisle, 50, of South Ham Road, South Ham, admitted to attempting to rape a woman at a previous hearing and was jailed today (Friday 18 May) at Winchester Crown Court.

The court heard that Carlisle attempted to rape the 38-year-old woman in the car park of The Rising Sun, in Chapel Hill, in the early hours of Sunday, 19 November 2017.

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

CCTV footage showed to the court saw that Carlisle followed her through the town centre before attacking her.

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

After sentencing 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 the sentence given today will give people 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.”