Runakl Shawn Delecia

A predatory incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, 9 April 2023, in Southampton city centre, where 45-year-old Runakl Shawn Delecia from Bristol targeted a vulnerable 17-year-old girl. The attack occurred around 1.30am in the Carlton Place area, a bustling part of the city known for its nightlife. Delecia, who was later identified through CCTV footage, approached the teenager and led her away from the crowded spot towards the quieter Carlton Crescent, where he committed the rape.

The victim, now 19, bravely came forward to report the assault, enabling Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to launch a swift investigation. Security staff in the area played a crucial role by identifying Delecia from the CCTV recordings, which captured him leading the girl away. He was arrested shortly thereafter and charged with rape, an offence he denied throughout the proceedings.

The case proceeded to Southampton Crown Court, where a six-day trial took place earlier in March 2025. On Monday, 3 March 2025, a jury unanimously found Delecia guilty of the rape. Sentencing occurred on Friday, 21 March 2025, with the judge imposing a custodial sentence of seven years and three months' imprisonment, reflecting the severity of the predatory crime.

Detective Constable Laura Cook, from the Constabulary’s specialist rape and serious sexual offences unit under Operation Amberstone, commended the victim's courage in her statement: “The courage it takes to come forward and speak to us about incidents of this nature should not be underestimated and the fact that Delecia is now behind bars is testament to her bravery in speaking out and assisting us with this investigation.” This case underscores the police's commitment to targeting perpetrators of sexual violence and supporting survivors, as highlighted in official reports from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Southampton Chief Inspector Mark Lumley also addressed the broader implications, stating: “We are pleased with this sentence today and hope that it sends a clear message to anyone who comes to our city centre with the intention of causing harm to others. No-one in our community should ever be in a position where they do not feel safe walking the streets.” The rapid identification and arrest were facilitated by collaboration with local security teams, pubs, clubs, and CCTV systems, demonstrating effective community policing in high-risk areas.