Northampton charity shares advice for victims of sexual crimes
It's after the sentencing of a man from the town yesterday following a string of assaults over many years.
A Northampton charity is encouraging victims of sexual crimes to reach out for support.
Serenity have been speaking to us, as yesterday a man was jailed for a string of sexual offences which took place near a statue in the town.
Fay Wickett is the manager at Serenity:
"Any incident of rape or sexual assault is unacceptable, and it's important for people to know that they can get help. We can support you, we can advise you, we can signpost you.
"You can speak to us our colleagues at Voice which does support networks for victims of crime. Also Northamptonshire Rape Crisis offers counselling as well. And this is all free and confidential advice."
She also has this advice on staying safe over the festive period and all year round;
"I would share your details to friends or family about where you're going and what you're doing. Maybe consider checking in just so they know you've arrived at your destination safely and that you've arrived home safely as well."
Operation Antigua
Yesterday at Northampton Crown Court one of the most prolific offenders in a complex case of sexual assaults across many years in the town, was sentenced.
A 34-year-old man has been jailed for 18 sexual offences as part of Operation Antigua.
Alex Stephen Coleman, assaulted five teenage girls between 2008 and 2011. Coleman, of Redruth Close in Northampton, was found guilty of three counts of rape and six of sexual activity with a child.
He was also convicted of seven counts of sexual assault and two of assault by penetration.
Operation Antigua was launched at the end of June 2020 and focuses on reported sexual abuse between the years of 2006 and 2016, all originating from the statue in Abington Street, Northampton, where young people would gather.
It came about after one victim bravely posted about their experience on social media.
Detective Chief Inspector Liz Basham who oversees Op Antigua, said: “Tackling violence against women and girls remains a priority for Northamptonshire Police and we will continue working hard to investigate sexual abuse, bring those responsible to justice, and ensure the voices of the survivors are heard.”
Lead investigator - Detective Sergeant Colin Bowers said: “I am so pleased for the survivors in this case that their abuser has been found guilty and I want to thank them for the support they have given the operation from start to finish."