Torquay man jailed
A 44-year-old Torquay man, who raped two women in Devon, has been jailed for 14 years.
Justin Reeve was found guilty of four counts of rape following a seven-day trial in February at Exeter Crown Court.
He appeared for sentencing on 5 April at Exeter Crown Court and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
The court heard that Reeve met the first victim in 2017 and was invited to her home a short time later to help with a meal plan in his capacity as a fitness trainer, but Reeve pushed her onto the bed and raped her.
He met the second victim online in 2020 and they chatted for a number of weeks before arranging to meet.
The victim travelled to Reeve’s home and they initially engaged in consensual sex. But when the victim asked to stop, Reeve ignored her and subsequently raped her three times.
Complaints were made to police and Reeve was arrested at his home in Woodland Close, Torquay, in November 2020.
DC Dan Locker led the investigation and said after sentencing: “We are pleased that justice has been served, and that Reeve will be behind bars for a considerable time.
“We wish to pay tribute to the victims, who showed tremendous 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.
“We take all reports of sexual abuse seriously and this conviction illustrates how we are determined to bring offenders to justice. Don’t suffer in silence, we will listen to you, and you will be supported.”
Rachael Lane, Senior Crown Prosecutor for Crown Prosecution Service South West, 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 secure these convictions. This would not have been possible without the victims coming forward to tell their stories, and I commend their bravery in doing so.
“CPS South West is working with Devon and Cornwall Police on an ambitious project called Operation Soteria, which is testing new ways of working to improve how the CPS and police handle rape investigations and prosecutions, drive up the number of successful prosecutions and deliver justice for victims.
“We want every victim to have the confidence that their case will be fully investigated by the police and that, in every case where our legal tests are met, the CPS will prosecute.”
If you require help or assistance relating to rape or abuse, please take a look at the below list of helplines.
In an emergency always call 999 and in a non-emergency please visit www.dc.police.uk/contact.
Help is also available from:
• 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
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