Man jailed for non-recent rape
A 61-year-old man from Stevenage, who raped a woman in Cornwall in 1988, has been jailed for 11 years.
Martin Butler was found guilty of rape and buggery following a trial in February, at Truro Crown Court.
He appeared for sentencing on Friday 21 April at Truro Crown Court and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
At the trial, it was described how the victim had been in a relationship with Butler and they visited his parents’ home in Mevagissey in August 1988.
After spending an evening out in the village, they returned to the property and went to bed.
The victim said she had woken up later to find her hands were tied behind her back and her legs were tied together.
She also reported that Butler put his hand over her mouth and nose, so she could not breathe.
As he raped her, she thought she was going to die.
After he released his grip and untied her arms, he left the room and she freed herself.
She went downstairs and confronted him before going back to the bedroom and barricading herself in.
Butler left the property and did not return before she had left to go home a couple of days later.
She did not report the rape at the time, believing that she was his only victim.
But in 2018, she saw a social media post and realised there were possibly other victims, and with the help of a friend she contacted the police.
Two of his alleged victims appeared as character witnesses for the prosecution after their cases had been discontinued by police elsewhere in the country.
Detective Constable Sarah Davison, officer in the case, welcomed today’s sentence and said: “We are pleased that justice has been served, and that Butler has been sent to prison where he will stay for a considerable time.
“We wish to pay tribute to the victim, for her resilience and courage in coming forward and giving evidence. Devon and Cornwall Police remain committed to supporting survivors of abuse and will seek to prosecute offenders.”
The victim said: “I would like to say a big thank you to my police liaison officer for the past five years of continued support throughout this case. Their contact with me over the years, keeping me up to date, informed and to just reassure me that I wasn’t forgotten, has given me the strength to keep going and not give up at the first hurdle.
“Also, all those behind the scenes that have worked hard supporting the specialist Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) getting the evidence together to bring to the attention of the Crown.
“I'd like to say that as a victim, I felt heard with my anxieties from the Crown and my police liaison officer and was supported with this. I know there are many victims of abuse and rape that will not be so lucky to have a dedicated team like I have had. This system has to change to support and protect every single victim in these modern times.
“I'd like to say thank you to the jury for listening to all the evidence and seeing the truth unfold. It can't be easy for the general public to digest the severity of his offence.
“Everyone has played a crucial part in putting this monster behind bars so he cannot affect anyone else for a long time.
“I would also like to thank the two people that stood in my trial as bad character witnesses. We heard of their own encounters with him and how it affected them. I believe there may be others still out there.
“Against all the odds and an outdated judicial system, this case has secured his conviction but only because of the dedication of the those involved and the behind the scenes support I got from counselling and therapy.”
Detective Inspector Andrew Whittle added: “We recognise the bravery of any victim of sexual abuse who chooses to report and engage with the criminal justice process.
“We would always encourage reporting direct to the police as the professional body responsible for such criminal investigations and would urge victims to do so in the first instance rather than make their own enquiries.
“In this specific case, the social media post has assisted in gaining justice for the victim. The outcome may have had a totally different result if the social media attention had jeopardised the right to a fair trial and therefore of securing this conviction.
“Devon & Cornwall Police takes all reports of sexual abuse seriously, regardless of how long ago it may have happened and will gather any evidence as required to take appropriate action in line with the victims wishes. Victims will be listened to sympathetically and will be guided through the criminal justice process with the support of our partner agencies, including the CPS and numerous support organisations including Independent Sexual Violence Advisors.”
Robert Readfern, of the CPS, said: “The CPS South West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit worked closely alongside the Devon and Cornwall Police investigative team to build the strongest possible case and ensure that Martin Butler was held responsible for what he did.
“This conviction would not have happened without the bravery of the victim in coming forward to tell her story, and I commend her for doing so. I would also like to commend and thank the two additional complainants who assisted the prosecution’s case as bad character witnesses, helping us to secure a conviction.
“This case demonstrates the commitment of the police and CPS to bringing offenders to justice, regardless of how much time has passed since an offence was committed. I hope that successful prosecution such as this one will encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report what happened to them.”
Support is available if you need help or assistance relating to sexual assault:
National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC): 0300 3034626
Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor Service: 03458 121212
Victim Care Unit: 01392 475900
Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services: 01392 204 174
In an emergency, always call 999 and in a non-emergency please visit www.dc.police.uk/contact or telephone 101.