Andrew Paul Tucker

A 38-year-old man from Eastleigh, Hampshire, has been imprisoned for 15 years following his conviction for multiple counts of rape and sexual assault against a child. Andrew Paul Tucker, residing on Shaw Road, appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday, 4 January 2024, where he was sentenced for nine serious offences committed between 2017 and 2023.

The abuse began in 2017 when the victim was only ten years of age, continuing into her teenage years. Tucker exploited and violated the young girl's trust, subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults and rape over this six-year period. The case came to light through the victim's courageous decision to report the incidents to the authorities, demonstrating remarkable bravery in supporting the subsequent investigation.

Detective Constable Ella Knight, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, commended the victim's resilience, stating: "It took a lot of courage and bravery for the victim to come forward and make these disclosures to us. I have nothing but the greatest admiration for this young lady, who fully supported our investigation and never doubted our ability to get a conviction in court." Knight further highlighted the devastating impact of Tucker's actions: "He took her innocence from her when she was only ten years of age and continued to abuse her into her teenage years."

In addition to the 15-year custodial sentence, Tucker will serve an extended eight-year licence period upon release. He has also been made subject to a restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order to protect the public from further risk. The conviction underscores the diligent work of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Child Abuse Investigation Team, which pursued the case relentlessly to ensure justice was served.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the long-term harm caused by such offences and the importance of victims coming forward. The sentencing at Southampton Crown Court marks a significant step towards accountability for Tucker, preventing him from harming other children in the future.