Salisbury man given seven year jail term for historic rape
The victim lived in silence for eight years
A man from Salisbury have been jailed for seven years for raping a woman in 2013.
James Haggaty, 30, of North View, Berwick St James, was convicted of raping a woman after a night out on 30th August 2013.
He was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court.
Haggaty met his victim at a taxi rank, where he and a friend helped her into a taxi.
He then took the woman back to a property and sexually assaulted her.
His victim then lived in silence about her ordeal for eight years before revealing the assault to police in 2021.
In a statement read to the court his victim said: "I always thought I would never be believed, and the longer I left it, the more unlikely any chance of getting justice seemed.
"It took me a long time to find the courage to report to the police and especially as I had found out that you (Haggaty) were on trial previously for a similar offence.
"Today, I am not the same person I was 11 years ago. I am looking for justice and healing. No sentence can undo what has been done, but it can affirm the severity of the crime, and the strength of survivors."
Sergeant Matt Goldring said: "Haggaty met his victim whilst she was in a very vulnerable state and took advantage of her.
"I would like to thank the victim in this case for her bravery in coming forward and for her unwavering strength throughout this period.
“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter the length of time, is urged to report it to police. We will not tolerate violence of this nature and we will continue to put perpetrators before the courts.”
The force say they understand reporting an offence can be difficult as victims may not be completely sure of what's happened or how to talk about it.
In a statement, they moved to reassure people that they will be listened to.
"Our trained officers and partner organisations are here to listen and work together to support you in any way we can.
Importantly, your information could help us bring the offender to justice and make sure you, and other people in a similar situation, are kept safe."