Salisbury Rapist Jailed for Seven Years Over Decade-Old Attack
A Salisbury man has finally been locked up for a vile rape committed more than ten years ago. James Haggaty, 30, from North View, Berwick St James, was sentenced to seven years behind bars at Salisbury Crown Court on June 20. The assault took place on August 30, 2013.
Victim Met Attacker at Taxi Rank After Night Out
On the fateful night, Haggaty met the victim at a taxi rank following a night out. With a friend’s help, he got her into a taxi before taking her to a property where he sexually assaulted her. The trauma silenced the victim for years — she only went to police in 2021.
Victim Breaks Silence: ‘I Feared No One Would Believe Me’
“I always thought I would never be believed, and the longer I left it, the more unlikely any chance of getting justice seemed. It took me a long time to find the courage to report to the police, especially as I had found out that you (Haggaty) were on trial previously for a similar offence. Today, I am not the same person I was 11 years ago. I am looking for justice and healing. No sentence can undo what has been done, but it can affirm the severity of the crime, and the strength of survivors.”
Police Praise Brave Victim, Urge Others to Speak Out
Sergeant Matt Goldring praised the victim’s courage. “Haggaty met his victim whilst she was in a very vulnerable state and took advantage of her. I would like to thank the victim in this case for her bravery in coming forward and for her unwavering strength throughout this period. Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter how long ago, is urged to report it to police. We will not tolerate violence of this nature and we will continue to put perpetrators before the courts.”
Help Is Available
Wiltshire Police encourage victims to come forward and offer support. Reporting sexual offences can be daunting, especially when unsure how to talk about it. Trained officers and partner agencies are ready to listen, assist, and help bring offenders to justice, ensuring safety for victims and others in similar situations.
For more information on reporting rape and accessing support, visit Wiltshire Police’s website.
