Man jailed after sexually assaulting teenage girls in Exeter
In the space of one hour on the evening of 9 May 2025, Sonny Boyes carried out multiple sexual offences against two teenage girls in Exeter.
Today, 6 March, the 19-year-old appeared at Exeter Crown Court where the judge jailed him for 17 years, described him as having ‘breathless arrogance and distorted thinking’.
Following a trial in October 2025, a jury found him guilty of nine sexual offences, including two counts of rape.
The court heard that Boyes, of Commercial Road, Exeter, raped a 16-year-old girl near Digby & Sowton train station, shortly before 9pm, after having both got off the train there. They had not met before that day, but he asked her to hold his beer while he urinated in nearby bushes, before raping and sexually assaulting her. The victim was able to flee the area and called for help.
While still hanging around the train station, 45 minutes later, Boyes was seen with a 17-year-old girl, who he struck up struck up a conversation with. He very quickly turned the interaction sexual and began touching her – despite her saying no on numerous occasions. The ‘forceful and persistent’ assault continued on the train. The victim described that she ‘loudly told him to stop’, in hopes that others would hear.
When Boyes left the train at the next stop, members of the public and train staff approached the victim, and the incident was immediately reported to police.
He was arrested in Exeter City Centre at 10.20pm that evening and taken into custody. He was charged and appeared at court on 12 May.
Boyes pleaded not guilty to all charges, and was found guilty by a jury in October 2025 of the following offences:
Two counts of rape
Three counts of sexual assault
Four counts of assault by penetration
He was also found not guilty of one count of rape.
Boyes was remanded after the verdict and appeared at Exeter Crown Court on 6 March where he was sentenced to 17 years in prison, with an extended licence of seven years. He will sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and be subject to an indeterminate Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
On sentencing, the judge said that Boyes had ‘charmed and alarmed’ the victims, described that throughout the criminal justice process Boyes had demonstrated misogynistic views and even while in custody had continued to show derogatory behaviour towards females he had encountered.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jordan Pearce said: “We welcome the sentence handed down by the court today, which highlights the seriousness of the offences committed by Sonny Boyes.
“My utmost thanks and praise are foremost with the two victims. This outcome would not have been possible without the continuous courage shown by the victims. They have both been through a horrific ordeal that no person should ever be subjected to and have continued to show incredible bravery throughout.
“The crimes committed by Boyes on the 9 May 2025 have had a lasting impact on the victims, and the local community.
“He preyed on two young women, where he displayed aggressive and sexually harassing behaviour towards them. He was forceful and persistent in his attack committing two separate attacks in a very short period of time.
“He has shown no remorse for his actions throughout the investigation and during interview he was derogatory and sexist, where he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the victims.”
DC Pearce added: “I would also like to the thank all witnesses that came forward to give evidence - this was key in achieving a positive result in court today. I am grateful to the members of public who acted fast to report these incidents to us so we could prevent further harm. As a result of these reports, Boyes was detained incredibly quickly and taken into custody where he was interviewed and later charged.”
Support available
If you have been affected by this article there is support available.
You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.
You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
Advice and support can also be found at:
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault
Image gallery:
select image to see larger version