A MAN has been jailed for 38 months after he sexually assaulted a woman while on license for a previous sexual offence.

Steven Christian, of The Pines in Hordle, assaulted his victim in Burley on Saturday, July 1.

The 25-year-old was already on licence from prison following a previous sexual offence.

Christian was sentenced to 38 months imprisonment for one count of sexual assault at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday, October 12.

Upon his release from prison, Christian will serve an additional five years on licence and an indefinite restraining order was granted to protect the victim.

Salisbury Journal: Steven Christian had previously been prosecuted for sexual assault.Steven Christian had previously been prosecuted for sexual assault. (Image: Hampshire Police)

Detective Constable Sarah Golding, of Southampton Criminal Investigation Department, said: “I am pleased with the sentence. The victim deserved justice for what happened to her, and I know she and her family will feel some relief this has been achieved.

“What Christian did to her is something that nobody should ever have to go through and the impact of this incident continues to affect her daily life.

“To echo the judge, Christian’s actions were repugnant and totally self-centred. He has a complete lack of regard for others, and no legal or moral restraint in his pursuit of sexual gratification."

DC Golding thanked the woman for her courage and bravery in reporting the incident which ultimately led to Christian's prosecution.

“While the sentence alone won’t rid the victim of the memory of what happened to her, I truly hope that it enables her to move forward, knowing that Christian is being held accountable for his crime," she added.

DC Golding has urged anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to report it to the police.

She said: "We do understand that it’s not always easy to report things of this nature, but if you do feel you can come to us, we will always take you seriously and will work hard to achieve justice for you.

“As this case has proven, if crimes like this are reported to us, we can take action and get justice for victims.”

Survivors of sexual abuse are entitled to support, whether they choose to report the crime or not.

For more information or help visit hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/.

Crimes can be reported by calling 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report incidents anonymously.