Salisbury man sentenced to seven years in prison for historic rape

The victim lived in silence for eight years

A Salisbury man was sentenced to seven years in prison 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 30 August 2013.

He was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court.

Haggaty met his victim at a taxi stand, where he and a friend helped her into a taxi.

He then took the woman to a property and sexually abused her there.

His victim lived in silence about the ordeal for eight years before revealing the attack to police in 2021.

In a statement read out in court, his victim said: “I always thought I would never be believed and the longer I waited, the less likely any chance of justice seemed.”

“It took me a long time to find the courage to report this to the police, especially since I learned that you (Haggaty) had already been in court 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 happened, but it can confirm the seriousness of the crime and the strength of the survivors.”

Sergeant Matt Goldring said: “Haggaty met his victim when she was in a very vulnerable state and took advantage of her.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for her courage in coming forward and for her unwavering strength throughout this entire time.

“Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence, no matter how long ago it occurred, is urged to report it to the police. We will not tolerate violence of this kind and will continue to bring perpetrators to justice.”

Police say they understand that reporting a crime can be difficult because victims may not be fully aware of what happened or how to talk about it.

In a statement, they assured people that they were being listened to.

“Our trained staff and partner organizations are here to listen and work together to support you in every way we can.

Importantly, your information can help us bring the perpetrator to justice and ensure that you and others in a similar situation are protected.”

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