Two Men Jailed for Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old in Southampton Two Men Locked Up for Raping 13-Year-Old Girl in Southampton
Two men have been sentenced to a combined 18 and a half years behind bars for the horrific rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in Southampton last December.
Martin Gets 14 Years for Brutal Attack
Damian Andre Martin, 48, of Millbrook Road West, was slammed with a 14-year prison term at Southampton Crown Court on Friday 25 April. His charges included rape, sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, assault by beating, and taking a child to prevent lawful control.
Martin will serve an additional five-year extended licence and is now on the Sex Offender’s Register for life. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, ensuring he faces strict controls once released.
Rathore Sentenced for Sexual Assault
Gurdev Singh Rathore, 50, from Milton Road, received a 4½-year prison sentence for sexual assault and causing a child over 13 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity. Rathore, like Martin, must remain on the Sex Offender’s Register and is bound by a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.
Shocking Attack in Southampton’s St Mary’s Area
The victim reported meeting the two men on St. Mary Street overnight between 26 and 27 December 2024. She was first raped and assaulted by Martin before being taken to a Chapel Road address, where Rathore followed with further assault. Both men pleaded guilty during the trial.
His Honour Judge Christopher Parker condemned the attack, saying,
“The detention of her in those terrible circumstances must have been unimaginably horrific for those close to her, but for her as a 13-year-old child to be raped and taken to a flat, abused further sexually by the pair of you must have been – as she describes it – absolutely horrendous and she was in fear of her life.”
The judge also emphasised Martin’s dangerous nature, stating his behaviour was “so dreadful” he cannot be trusted around vulnerable children.
Police Praise Victim’s Courage and Urge Support for Abuse Survivors
Police Staff Investigator Rebecca Stevens from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary praised the victim’s bravery and the team behind the investigation. She said:
“We are pleased with this sentence after a complex and lengthy investigation. Thanks to overwhelming evidence, Rathore and Martin had no choice but to plead guilty.“Above all else, I want to thank the victim. Without her courage and support, we wouldn’t have secured these guilty pleas.“Their actions were predatory and extremely concerning. We’re glad these dangerous individuals will spend a significant time in prison.“Support is available for children who have experienced any form of sexual abuse.”
Hampshire Constabulary urges anyone affected by sexual assault or rape to call 101 and speak to an officer confidentially.
For those who find it difficult to talk to the police, other support services are available:
- Childline: Call 0800 1111 for free advice and support.
- NSPCC: Confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected].
- Yellow Door (Southampton-based charity): Visit yellowdoor.org.uk or call 023 8063 6312 for help.
More information and contact details for sexual abuse support can be found on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary website.
