Gary Conibear’s sentencing for rape was dramatically postponed after he tried to take his own life on Salisbury Plain, sparking a major rescue operation.
Manhunt Launched After Disappearance
The 33-year-old ex-soldier vanished just before his hearing at Winchester Crown Court on 5 September. Police found a suicide note, prompting a huge search west of Tidworth. The National Police Air Service helicopter joined the hunt.
Found Critically Injured and Rushed to Hospital
Conibear was discovered unconscious near Sidbury Hill. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, multiple ambulances, police, and a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were deployed. He was stabilised on site and flown to hospital in critical condition.
Convicted Rapist Finally Sentenced
After recovering, Conibear, from Churchill Close, was jailed for seven years and six months at Winchester Crown Court on 8 October. A lifelong restraining order was also imposed.
“It felt like a constant loop of fear, shame, and despair,” the victim said, describing her ordeal. The court heard they had met on a night out, played pool and drank together. He later offered to walk her home, and both fell asleep fully clothed on her bed. She woke to find him raping her.
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