Sex Predator, 22, Jailed for Assault Bid on Portsmouth Road

Published on: 8 Jan, 2021
Updated on: 12 Jan, 2021

Callum Boteler

A sexual predator was jailed at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday (January 6) after admitting a bid to assault a woman nearly a year ago.

Callum Boteler, 22, of no fixed address, had been under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order at the time after being found guilty of similar offences in Sussex. He was sentenced to three years and 10 months, with two-thirds to be served in prison.

The 20-year-old victim was walking along Portsmouth Road on the evening of 12 January when she noticed Boteler behind her then disappearing. A short time later, she saw him again as she walked past St Catherine’s Footpath. Boteler spoke to her, but she kept walking. He caught up and tried to grab her arm.

The woman screamed and luckily three police officers on patrol nearby ran to the scene. Boteler was arrested as he tried to flee.

Later, CCTV showed Boteler following numerous women in Guildford town centre earlier that evening.

Detective Constable Kerry Plumb said: “A dangerous sexual offender is now off the streets and behind bars thanks to the bravery of the victim and the hard work of officers. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the predatory behaviour shown by Boteler.

“I would encourage anyone who is the victim of a sexual offence to call us as soon as they can. This gives us the best chance of finding and investigating the person responsible.”

Women are advised:

Try to stick to busy areas and well-lit pavements and plan your route in advance;
Be vigilant because wearing headphones or using a mobile phone may distract you from your surroundings; and
Try to walk with someone you know to avoid being alone.

For more information, help and support about rape and sexual assault, please visit: https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/ .

If you’ve been the victim of a crime, ring 101 or visit: https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ . In an emergency, always call 999.