In a disturbing incident of false imprisonment and associated crimes in Waterlooville, Hampshire, Caprice Martine Buddle, 25, from Brook Close, Swanmore, played a key role in luring a victim into a trap that led to severe abuse. The events took place on 5 May 2019, stemming from online communications that began in the spring of that year between Buddle and the victim, a man in his 30s. After several in-person meetings, Buddle enticed him to an address on Thrush Walk under false pretences.
Once there, the victim was ambushed by Sean David Perry and another man, who proceeded to subject him to prolonged physical, verbal, and sexual abuse lasting several hours. The abuse included being hit with a stool, kicked, forced to ingest cleaning fluid, and other acts of violence. The victim was compelled to relinquish his phone, wallet, bank cards, and PIN numbers as part of a conspiracy to rob and commit fraud. Although Buddle's direct involvement in the sexual aspects was not specified, she was complicit in the overall scheme of false imprisonment and robbery.
After the torment, the victim was blindfolded, placed in a vehicle, driven around, and eventually left stranded at the roadside. He recognised the area, ran home, and alerted the police, prompting a rapid response. Officers arrested Buddle that same day at a Havant address. Perry was detained shortly thereafter, leading to a thorough investigation by Hampshire Constabulary involving DNA, CCTV, phone, and financial records.
At Portsmouth Crown Court on 4 November 2022, Buddle, who had been found guilty by a jury in May 2022 after pleading not guilty, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to rob, false imprisonment, conspiracy to commit fraud, and possession of a Class A drug. Her co-offender, Perry, received 17 years for additional charges including assault by penetration and causing actual bodily harm. The jury deliberated for less than an hour and a half before convicting Buddle on all counts.
Detective Constable Emily Dummer of the Eastern Operation Amberstone team described the victim's experience as 'a harrowing and traumatic ordeal' and praised his bravery: 'As a result of his bravery, Perry and Buddle are now in a place where they will not be able to inflict such horrific abuse to anyone else.' She added that the sentence sends 'a strong message to the public that we will do all in our power to protect and support victims of abuse, while relentlessly pursuing offenders.' Other individuals arrested in relation to the case were released without charges.
The case underscores the risks of online grooming for criminal purposes and demonstrates the commitment of Hampshire Constabulary to securing justice in cases of violent exploitation.