A man has been jailed for rape following a detailed and extensive investigation by detectives.
Martin Hancill, 40, of Corfe Mullen, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 9 December 2025 to ten years in prison for charges of rape and sexual assault.
He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period.
On the evening of Monday 24 October 2022, Hancill attended the victims address and raped her.
The victim, a teenage female, was known to the defendant and they had been communicating via text in the days leading up to the rape.
The incident was promptly reported to police and Hancill was arrested within a few hours of it occurring.
He denied the offences in interview, but forensic examination of the scene and examination of phone messages between the victim and Hancill provided further evidence to prove that the sexual assaults took place.
Hancill was subsequently charged and faced trial at Bournemouth Crown Court beginning Monday 8 September 2025.
The jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault.
Detective Inspector Rich Barnett, of Dorset Police, said: “I want to thank the victim in this case for the incredible bravery she has shown in coming forward to report this incident and for the support she has provided throughout our investigation.
“As a result of her courage and resilience, and support from her family, we were able to compile evidence and hold Martin Hancill accountable for his appalling and contemptible actions on the evening of Monday 24 October 2022.
“I would also like to thank the witnesses who supported the investigation and attended court to give evidence, as this was not easy to do.
“I hope that the result of this case helps and inspires other victims of rape and sexual offences to find the strength to come forward and report matters to us. Victims can be assured that they will be fully supported by specially trained officers and that we will thoroughly investigate the offences.”
If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially-trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.
