Waterlooville child rapist jailed for 30 years as brave victim declares 'he no longer has power over me'
Brave and tenacious victim speaks out after abuser jailed for 30 years
A child rapist has been jailed for 30 years after ‘truly abhorrent” levels of abuse against a victim which started when she 11-years-old.
Sean White, 55, formerly of Harrow Way in Waterlooville, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court today (May 22) after he was previously convicted at an eight day trial in March 2025. The offending took place between 2003 and 2010 with police praising the bravery of the victim after she came forward to report the incidents to them in April 2024.
White was convicted of five multiple indictment counts of rape of a child aged over 13, indecent assault of a child, and one count of rape of a child under 13. In total, the charges equate to 21 rapes.
After he was sentenced to 30 years in prison with an extended license of 5 years and made the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), the victim read out a personal statement in court.
The woman, now in her 30s, said: “During a time where I should have been making happy memories, learning how to become a functioning member of society and experiencing the love and support of a family, I instead experienced a time full of fear, endless abuse and complete isolation.
“Due to the way I shut down, I wanted keep those traumatic events locked up in the furthest, darkest corner in my mind and do everything in my power to never think about them. In doing so, I dismissed any notion of receiving justice.
“I convinced myself that even if I did come forward, no-one would believe me and he would get away with it. I no longer want to accept that is the case. I have come to accept that it's time to have my voice heard and I owe it to my younger self to get both justice and long-awaited closure I deserve.”
She continued: "I could never fully explain, nor expect anyone to completely understand, the impact of those events, but what I can say is that man changed my life in the most tragic way possible, and standing in the court room coming forward, although difficult, is absolutely necessary.
“I no longer want to just 'survive'. I want to live, and having Sean appropriately sentenced is one step closer to achieving that. I want him to know that he no longer has power over me, I do not fear him and he will not control my life.”
In addition to the jail term and SHPO a restraining order has been issued between White and the victim.
Detective Sergeant Drew Wright, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “This investigation into White’s repeated sexual abuse of a young girl over several years, has been long and complex.
“White subjected his victim to a truly abhorrent level of abuse, and I am glad that he is now behind bars. This result has only been possible thanks to the courage of the woman involved throughout the investigation and criminal justice process.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks for the bravery and tenacity she has shown, and while I know that nothing will ever take away everything she has been through, I really hope that this sentence goes some way to helping her move forward with her life.
“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of abuse of any kind, no matter when it happened, to please report it. You will be able to speak to specialist detectives in confidence, who will listen to you and support you.”
The police advise that anyone impacted by child sexual abuse can contact Childline on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult that has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
Alternatively, anyone impacted by sexual abuse or any other crime, can access free, confidential and independent help and support by contacting the Victim Care Hub on 0808 178 1641 or [email protected] Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm.
If you live outside of Hampshire you can call 0808 168 9111 or live chat at https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/live-chat/