Man jailed for 1988 rape in Cornwall
His victim came forward in 2018 after seeing a post on social media
A man's been given an 11 year jail sentence for a serious sexual assault on a woman in Cornwall more than 35 years ago.
Martin Butler, 61 and from Stevenage has been sentenced at Truro Crown Court, after being found guilty in February.
At the trial, it was described how the victim had been in a relationship with Butler and the attack happened at his parents’ home in Mevagissey in August 1988.
The court heard the woman thought she was going to die.
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.”
"Against all the odds, this case has secured his conviction"
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.”