John Hutton, 34, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of raping a woman in Elmswell, Suffolk, in July 2021.
The court heard that Hutton, of Old Rectory Close, Barham, had denied the charges, but following a five-day trial, he was found guilty of raping a woman in her 30s. The attack left his victim “unable to talk, unable to sleep, and feeling empty.”
Hutton was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday. He must serve at least six years in prison, with the remainder of his sentence to be served on license. Additionally, he was issued a restraining order and must sign the sex offenders register for life.
The victim, who had met Hutton during a night out with friends, felt incapacitated after being violently ill and unable to walk properly. She suspected her drink had been spiked, and traces of cocaine were found in her blood. Though the investigation could not determine who drugged her, it was argued that Hutton should have recognized her inability to consent.
The rape was reported to the police the following day, and DNA evidence confirmed Hutton’s involvement. In her victim impact statement, she described the emotional toll of the attack, saying she felt “empty” and struggled to recover her sense of normality.
Detective Constable Kelly Dale praised the victim’s courage and resilience throughout the case, saying, “I hope she can take some closure from this result to rebuild her life.” She emphasized the police’s commitment to supporting victims of sexual crimes and ensuring offenders are held accountable.
