In a harrowing case that has shaken Southampton, two men have been handed significant prison terms for sexually assaulting a teenage girl. Damian Andre Martin, 48, and Gurdev Singh Rathore, 50, encountered the 13-year-old victim while walking along St. Mary Street earlier this year. Authorities revealed that shortly after this meeting, Martin subjected the girl to a violent sexual attack, which included rape and physical assault. The incident, described by prosecutors as a “predatory and calculated act,” unfolded rapidly, leaving the young survivor traumatized and prompting an intensive police investigation.
Damian Andre Martin of Millbrook Road West faced a severe reckoning at Southampton Crown Court on April 25, where he was convicted of multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, penetration assault, physical battery, and child abduction. The court sentenced him to 14 years behind bars, followed by an additional five years under extended supervision. Martin will also remain on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely and must comply with a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, barring him from unsupervised contact with minors. Judge Eleanor Whitcombe condemned his actions as “a grotesque abuse of power,” emphasizing the irreversible harm inflicted on the victim.
Gurdev Singh Rathore, residing on Milton Road, received a four-and-a-half-year prison term for his role in the crime. While he did not commit rape, evidence showed he sexually assaulted the teenager and coerced her into non-penetrative acts. Prosecutors argued Rathore’s complicity enabled Martin’s brutality, creating an environment of fear that left the girl unable to escape. Though his sentence was shorter, the judge highlighted Rathore’s “moral culpability” in failing to intervene or seek help for the victim. Both men’s crimes were described as part of a “coordinated exploitation of vulnerability,” with the court underscoring the need for harsh penalties to deter similar offenses.
The sentencing has reignited conversations about child safety and legal accountability in Southampton. Local advocacy groups praised the survivor’s courage in coming forward, noting how her testimony was pivotal in securing convictions. Community leaders have since called for increased patrols in areas frequented by minors and better educational programs to help young people recognize predatory behavior. Meanwhile, support organizations are urging families to engage in open dialogues about personal safety, stressing that vigilance remains critical in preventing such tragedies.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the lasting scars left by sexual violence and the justice system’s role in addressing these crimes. While the prison terms bring a measure of closure, the survivor’s journey toward healing continues. Therapists working with young trauma victims emphasize that recovery requires long-term emotional support and systemic efforts to combat victim-blaming attitudes. As Southampton grapples with the aftermath, the hope is that this ruling not only delivers accountability but also fosters a safer, more compassionate community for its children.
