'Rapist left me empty and unable to talk or sleep'

A rapist who left his victim “unable to talk, unable to sleep and feeling empty” has been jailed, three years after he carried out the attack.

John Hutton, of Old Rectory Close, Barham, Suffolk, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday to nine years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman in Elmswell.

The 34-year-old, who was also given a restraining order, had denied raping the woman in her 30s on 7 July 2021, but was convicted in May following a five-day trial.

Hutton must serve at least six years in jail while the remainder of his sentence will be served on licence. He must also sign the sex offenders register for life.

His victim had been on a night out with friends when she met up with Hutton, whom she knew, before he eventually walked her home later in the evening.

The court heard the woman recalled being unable to walk properly, feeling and being violently sick, and then later being unable to move.

This led her to believe her drink had been spiked or she had been drugged. Following analysis of her blood samples, traces of cocaine were found in her system.

The investigation was not able to determine who may have drugged her but it was argued in court it should have been apparent to Hutton she was unable to consent.

The incident was reported to police the next day and DNA samples were eventually able to help prove Hutton was the man who had raped her.

In her victim statement, she said: “The time I have lost because of all of this is no longer retrievable.

“The days that were lost, lying in bed at my parents' house after it happened, unable to talk, unable to sleep.

“Just lying and feeling empty. Not knowing if I was ever going to feel ‘normal’ again.”

Det Con Kelly Dale, Suffolk Police's investigating officer, said she was “pleased to see that justice has prevailed”.

“I would especially like to express my admiration for the strength and bravery shown by the victim who has remained so courageous throughout,” she said.

“I hope she can take some closure from this result to rebuild her life.

“Hutton took advantage of a vulnerable woman who he should have helped.

“This will never be acceptable and the police will do everything in their power to support victims of these abhorrent crimes and bring offenders to account.”

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