Lee Alan Kneller

On Saturday 8 June 2024, a disturbing incident unfolded at an address on Vian Road in Waterlooville, Hampshire, where Lee Alan Kneller, a 39-year-old man from Chaffinch Green in the same town, forced his way into a residence and committed a sexual assault and robbery against a female carer in her 40s.

The victim was working at the address when Kneller knocked on the door, claiming he needed to use the bathroom. Ignoring her instructions to leave, he proceeded to sexually assault her and demand money from her. He then stole her handbag and fled the scene. Officers from the Havant and East Hants Criminal Investigations Department were called immediately, launching a swift investigation that involved CCTV enquiries and a public media appeal for information.

Thanks to the public's response, Kneller was identified and arrested later that same day. He later pleaded guilty to both robbery and sexual assault charges at Portsmouth Crown Court. On Friday 7 February 2025, he was sentenced to eight and a half years' imprisonment and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

Detective Constable Ashlee Wait, the officer in charge of the case, commented: 'I am very happy to see Lee Kneller face justice for his crimes and would like to thank the public for their assistance in helping us get him off of the streets as swiftly as possible. Kneller’s crimes against a woman who was simply doing her job are horrendous, and I am glad to see him put behind bars.' The incident highlights the vulnerability of care workers and the rapid response by Hampshire Constabulary in ensuring the perpetrator was brought to justice.