Drunken Sex Attacker Jailed for Two and a Half Years in Gosport
A man who sexually assaulted a woman on the streets of Gosport has been locked up for two and a half years. Jamie Bicknell, 32, of Gregson Avenue, was found guilty after a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court.
How the Attack Unfolded
On 2 February 2021, Bicknell entered a restaurant on Stoke Road around 9.50pm. After ordering food, staff asked him to leave due to his drunken behaviour. Outside, he blocked the path of a woman in her thirties, making inappropriate comments and asking for sex.
When the woman refused and tried to move past, Bicknell grabbed her throat, then hair, and sexually assaulted her. After the attack, he calmly sat at a nearby bus stop and ate some food.
CCTV and Bus Driver Tip-Off Lead to Arrest
Police traced Bicknell’s movements using CCTV, confirming he travelled by bus from Gregson Avenue to Gosport town centre before heading to Stoke Road. Enquiries with the bus company revealed Bicknell had chatted with the driver, sharing his first name and talking about mutual friends. This helped police identify and arrest him.
Justice Served After Relentless Police Work
Bicknell denied the charges at his first trial in March 2022, which ended with an undecided jury. But a re-trial in February 2023 saw the jury unanimously find him guilty of sexual assault. Sentencing took place on 29 March, with Bicknell handed a two and a half year prison term, an indefinite restraining order, and notification requirements.
“Reporting sexual offences takes a huge amount of courage, and the victim in this case has shown such bravery,” said Police Staff Investigator Sophie Close. “This attack was terrifying. Bicknell’s actions were appalling and will never be tolerated. We urge anyone affected by such behaviour to come forward and report it.”
