A 22-year-old man from Amesbury has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after being found guilty of rape. The victim, who endured years of trauma, has been commended for her courage in bringing her attacker to justice.
Ben Churcher, of Muggleton Road, Amesbury, was convicted on November 27, 2024, following a trial at Salisbury Crown Court. On January 31, he received his sentence, of which he will serve half in custody before being released on license. In addition to his prison term, Churcher has been placed on the sex offenders register for ten years and is subject to a five-year restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim.
The rape occurred in 2020, but the victim lived in silence for a year before reporting the crime to the police in 2021. During that time, she struggled with severe emotional distress, including thoughts of suicide, and felt isolated and unable to confide in anyone.
In a powerful statement read to the court, the victim expressed the devastating impact of the crime, saying: “I felt dirty in my own skin and couldn’t handle feeling so alone anymore. My family suffered too—they worry about me and my future. They worry about leaving me at home.”
The trial process further compounded the victim’s trauma, making it difficult for her to sleep, focus, or work. She also faced intimidation from Churcher’s friends and family, who accused her of lying.
“I have spent years in fear that Ben would come after me due to his threats. Ben spent so long telling me that no one would ever believe me, but I finally feel I now have closure and people know the truth,” she added.
Detective Constable Deborah Laycock, who worked on the case, praised the victim for her resilience: “I’d like to thank the victim in this case for showing an enormous amount of bravery and fortitude throughout the process of bringing Churcher to justice.”
She urged other survivors of sexual offences to come forward, assuring them that the police would provide support and pursue justice. “Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence is urged to report it to us. We will help you and continue to put perpetrators before the courts.”
Wiltshire Police encourages victims of rape and sexual assault to seek support. More information on reporting such offences and available resources can be found on their website. Trained officers and partner organizations are available to offer confidential assistance to those in need.
