Gary Conibear, 33, jailed for 7½ years after raping woman as she slept
Chilling Assault After Night Out
Gary Conibear’s terrifying attack happened in June 2022 in Tidworth. After meeting the victim during a night of pool and drinks with friends, he offered to walk her home. Both ended up falling asleep, fully clothed, on her bed. That’s when the horror unfolded — the woman awoke to find Conibear raping her.
Judge Condemns ‘Despicable’ Crime
At Winchester Crown Court, Judge Rufus Taylor slammed Conibear’s actions as “despicable” and sentenced him to 90 months behind bars. An indefinite restraining order was also slapped on him, banning any contact with the victim.
Survivor’s Heartbreaking Statement
“No words will ever truly capture how these last three years have broken, changed, and reshaped me. But I will try, because I need you to understand what was taken from me, what I’ve survived, and what I still carry every single day. “When this happened to me, I didn’t just feel hurt, I felt ashamed. I blamed myself. I asked over and over, What did I do wrong? Why me? What haunts me the most, is how he did it without a flicker of remorse. “The assault didn’t just happen in a moment. It echoed. It infected every part of my life. “I stopped leaving my house. For 18 months, I was locked away from the world, gripped by fear, shame, and agoraphobia. I stopped seeing my friends. I stopped seeing my family. I stopped seeing me. “I was exhausted by the weight of what had been done to me. I was living in a constant loop of fear, shame, and despair. “There is no justice that can erase what happened. There is no sentence long enough that can give me back the years I’ve lost, the nights I’ve cried, the peace that was stolen from me. “But I’m here. I am still standing, scarred, yes, but not silenced. “All I ask is this: please see the pain. Please feel the weight of what I’ve been through. Because I carry it every single day in my mind, in my body, and in the way I now live my life.”
Police Praise Survivor’s Bravery
Detective Constable Sue Elway hailed the victim’s “incredible courage” in helping bring Conibear to justice, especially after two trials – the first ending with a hung jury.
She added, “I want to thank Horizon victim and witness care for supporting her throughout.”
“Conibear now faces a substantial jail term. I hope he reflects on his selfish and despicable actions and the harm he’s caused.”
The officer also stressed the hard truth about consent: “Consent means the other person must freely agree to the sexual act with the capacity to make that choice. It cannot be given if someone is asleep, unconscious, under duress, or too intoxicated.”
Need Support or Want to Report?
If you’ve been affected by sexual abuse or want to report it, visit the Wiltshire Police website for help and advice.
