Man, 53, jailed for 28 years after being convicted of indecent assault and rape

hampshireeditor 14/01/2022

A man has today been jailed for 28 years after being convicted of indecent assault and rape.

Marcus Benson, 53, from Raglan Close, Aldershot, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court following a three-and-a-half week trial in November.

The offences took place against three girls between 1993 and 2004.

Benson had denied four counts of indecent assault against two girls and three counts of rape against two girls.

Two of the indecent assault charges and one of the rape charges were multiple count offences.

Benson was convicted on all seven counts.

Today (Friday 14 January), he was given a 28-year custodial sentence.

Detective Constable Michelle Carrig, from Operation Amberstone North, said: “I cannot underestimate the trauma that all three victims have suffered because of what Benson did to them.

“I hope today’s sentence has provided the victims with some element of closure, knowing that Benson has been jailed for a very long time for the harrowing crimes he committed against them.

“I would like to praise the victims for showing courage by coming forward to report these offences to the police.

“I would like to encourage any other victims, or anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, or if they know someone who has been impacted by sexual abuse, to contact police on 101.

“We take offences of this nature extremely seriously and victims can speak with our specialist officers with confidence.”

As a survivor of sexual abuse, you are entitled to support whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you are feeling and what you decide to do next.

You can visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/ to see the support on offer.

Concern Growing For Missing 68-Year-Old Mark Harbert From Southsea

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hampshireeditor 25/05/2026

Teenager Arrested In Old Portsmouth After Short Foot Pursuit During Dispersal Zone Patrols A teenager has been arrested in Old Portsmouth following a short pursuit by officers during patrols linked to the dispersal zone currently in place. Police had been in the area after concerns around large groups of young people gathering and reports of anti-social behaviour in recent days. During the patrols, officers attempted to stop a teenager, who then made off on foot through an alleyway. However, the youngster was quickly caught by officers waiting at the other end and was arrested a short time later. The incident comes after police put dispersal powers in place around the area, allowing officers to move people on where behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress. Police have warned that while most young people gathering in the area have been well behaved, a small minority have been involved in disorder, alcohol-related issues and intimidating behaviour towards officers. Officers are continuing patrols in Old Portsmouth and surrounding areas, with anyone causing trouble warned they may be moved on, arrested, or dealt with robustly. More to follow.

Teenager Arrested In Old Portsmouth After Short Foot Pursuit During Dispersal Zone Patrols A teenager has been arrested in Old Portsmouth following a short pursuit by officers during patrols linked to the dispersal zone currently in place. Police had been in the area after concerns around large groups of young people gathering and reports of anti-social behaviour in recent days. During the patrols, officers attempted to stop a teenager, who then made off on foot through an alleyway. However, the youngster was quickly caught by officers waiting at the other end and was arrested a short time later. The incident comes after police put dispersal powers in place around the area, allowing officers to move people on where behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress. Police have warned that while most young people gathering in the area have been well behaved, a small minority have been involved in disorder, alcohol-related issues and intimidating behaviour towards officers. Officers are continuing patrols in Old Portsmouth and surrounding areas, with anyone causing trouble warned they may be moved on, arrested, or dealt with robustly. More to follow.

hampshireeditor 24/05/2026

Emergency Incident Closes Victoria Road South In Southsea

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hampshireeditor 24/05/2026

Body Found In Search For Missing Andover Man Aidan Bentham Police searching for missing 28-year-old Aidan Bentham from Andover have sadly discovered the body of a man. Officers confirmed the discovery was made this morning (24 May) following ongoing efforts to locate Aidan after he was reported missing earlier this week. Formal identification has not yet taken place, however Aidan’s family have been informed of the development. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said a file will now be prepared for the coroner. The tragic update comes after police issued an urgent appeal on Friday amid growing concerns for Aidan’s welfare. In the original appeal, officers said Aidan had last been seen at around 4.30pm on Thursday 22 May. Police described him as being around 5ft 9ins tall, of a chubby build, with short dark hair, a fair complexion and clean shaven. At the time of his disappearance, he was believed to have been wearing a light-coloured top and tracksuit bottoms, although officers said he may since have changed clothing. The appeal prompted widespread sharing across social media as police and Aidan’s family appealed to the public for information which could help trace him. Following today’s discovery, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary thanked members of the public who shared the earlier appeal and assisted with enquiries during the search operation. The force has now requested that the missing person appeal be removed from public channels. No further details have currently been released.

Body Found In Search For Missing Andover Man Aidan Bentham Police searching for missing 28-year-old Aidan Bentham from Andover have sadly discovered the body of a man. Officers confirmed the discovery was made this morning (24 May) following ongoing efforts to locate Aidan after he was reported missing earlier this week. Formal identification has not yet taken place, however Aidan’s family have been informed of the development. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said a file will now be prepared for the coroner. The tragic update comes after police issued an urgent appeal on Friday amid growing concerns for Aidan’s welfare. In the original appeal, officers said Aidan had last been seen at around 4.30pm on Thursday 22 May. Police described him as being around 5ft 9ins tall, of a chubby build, with short dark hair, a fair complexion and clean shaven. At the time of his disappearance, he was believed to have been wearing a light-coloured top and tracksuit bottoms, although officers said he may since have changed clothing. The appeal prompted widespread sharing across social media as police and Aidan’s family appealed to the public for information which could help trace him. Following today’s discovery, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary thanked members of the public who shared the earlier appeal and assisted with enquiries during the search operation. The force has now requested that the missing person appeal be removed from public channels. No further details have currently been released.

hampshireeditor 24/05/2026

Body Found In Search For Missing Andover Man Aidan Bentham

Body Found In Search For Missing Andover Man Aidan Bentham

hampshireeditor 24/05/2026