Damian Andre Martin

On the night of 26 December 2024, a 13-year-old girl was walking along St. Mary Street in Southampton when she encountered Damian Andre Martin and Gurdev Singh Rathore. What began as a chance meeting quickly escalated into a horrific ordeal of sexual violence.

Martin, aged 48 from Millbrook Road West, raped the girl shortly after they met and subjected her to sexual assault. He then took her to an address on Chapel Road, where further abuse occurred. The incident was reported to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary on 27 December 2024, prompting a thorough investigation by the Western Child Abuse Investigation Team.

At Southampton Crown Court on 25 April 2025, Martin pleaded guilty to rape, sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, assault by beating, and taking a child so as to keep her from a person having lawful control. His Honour Judge Christopher Parker sentenced him to 14 years in prison, describing the acts as 'dreadful' and stating that Martin could not be considered safe around young vulnerable children. The judge highlighted the unimaginable horror for the victim, noting she was in fear of her life during the detention and abuse.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Martin received a five-year extended licence period and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and the Sex Offender's Register for life. Police Staff Investigator Rebecca Stevens, who led the investigation, praised the overwhelming evidence that forced the guilty plea and commended the victim's courage in supporting the case.

The case underscores the predatory nature of the offence, with Stevens describing Martin's actions as 'incredibly predatory and extremely concerning.' This sentencing ensures Martin will spend a significant portion of his life behind bars, protecting the public from further harm.