Hampshire man Patrick Sheppard admits having sex with 14-year-old girls in Southampton and is jailed
Police have thanked the victims for their bravery - and urged others to come forward and speak to them
A Hampshire man has admitted having sex with 14-year-old girls.
Patrick Sheppard, 19, of no fixed abode, was jailed for two years and 11 months at Southampton Crown Court on Friday, having admitted two counts of sexual activity with a child at the same court on Wednesday, April 29.
Sheppard also pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving with a proportion of a controlled drug above the limit and using a vehicle without insurance following an unrelated incident in Southampton in April 2025.
As part of his sentence for both the sexual offences and driving offences, he was also handed two 10-year restraining orders, a three-year driving ban and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.
Detective Constable Gintare Jatautaite, from Amberstone, the dedicated rape and sexual assault investigations team, said: “Firstly I would like to thank both victims for their bravery throughout the investigation and court process.
“We encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us. We take reports of this nature extremely seriously and work hard to bring offenders to justice. This case should also be a very clear message to other offenders out there that we will always work tirelessly to ensure you are brought to justice.”
Police Staff Investigator Rebecca Stevens, who works on the Child Abuse Investigation Team and investigated one of the assaults, said: “Sheppard preyed on two young girls and took advantage of their vulnerability. His predatory behaviour is abhorrent, and I am pleased we were able to secure justice for these brave girls.
“Our force is dedicated to protecting the children in our community. If you have any concerns about child abuse, please contact us. You can call 101 or reach out via our website.”
The court was told Sheppard committed the offences against the girls at an address in Totton and an address in Nursling between March 2024 and November 2025.
Hampshire Constabulary has also flagged up support services available for those who are the victim of abuse.
Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.
A spokesperson said: “As a survivor of sexual abuse, you’re entitled to support, whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you’re feeling and what you decide to do next.”