A woman from Gosport, Rianne Doughty, aged 27, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for refusing to provide the passcode to her phone as part of a murder investigation in Southampton. This development is a significant twist in the ongoing investigation into the death of 64-year-old Mark Noke.
Mark Noke, a resident of Warburton Road, was discovered in his flat with a single stab wound to his chest on February 25. The subsequent police investigation led to the arrest and charging of five men with his murder.
Rianne Doughty became a person of interest in the case as it was believed that her phone contained crucial evidence that could help establish what had transpired in relation to the victim. Despite repeated requests, Doughty refused to provide the pin code to unlock her device, even after a court order was issued under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
While in custody, Doughty claimed that she had forgotten her pin code. Subsequently, she was charged with failing to comply with a Section 49 notice to disclose the key to protected information.
During the trial at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, Doughty was found guilty of failing to comply with the notice, and she was subsequently sentenced to a 12-month prison term.
DCI Howard Broadribb, from the force’s Major Crime Investigation Team, commented on the case, saying, “By refusing to provide us with the passcode for her phone, Doughty sought to delay and frustrate our enquiries, trying to stall us as we worked hard to find answers for the devastated family of Mark Noke. Refusing to provide us with this information does not prevent you from having action taken against you, and anyone who seeks to obstruct justice in this way will be charged.”
Mark Noke’s family had previously paid tribute to him, describing him as “a kind and loving member of our family who also touched the lives of so many others with his warmth, kindness, and generosity.” They added, “Mark had a gift for making people feel seen and heard. He had a ready smile, a listening ear, and a compassionate heart that drew people to him.” The family’s grief has been deepened by this prolonged investigation, and they continue to seek justice for their loved one.
