Locations
King William Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4
Description
Police have welcomed the conviction of an Exeter rapist - and praised the courage of the woman he assaulted. Christopher Murphy, aged 35, has been jailed for eight years and nine months by a judge at Exeter Crown Court.
He raped a woman at her home in 2019. A jury found him guilty of three offences at a trial last year and he returned to Exeter Crown Court to be sentenced on Tuesday (January 9).
The judge said he has a "closed and inflexible" attitude to the incident which allows him to hold on to a "high opinion of yourself." She added an extra four years licence to his sentence due to the risk he poses.
Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Andy Boundy said afterwards: “We would like to take this opportunity to praise the courage shown by the victim in coming forward to report the offences and her support throughout the court process.
“We welcome the verdict and hope that the conviction and subsequent sentence bring about a sense of justice for the victim. We would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to come forward and report to police. We will support you
The trial was told Murphy took advantage of the woman while visiting her home, first kissing and then refusing to leave before committing the offence.
She said the assault had an ongoing impact on her life. She has panic attacks and is hypervigilant of her surroundings. But she has "already begun to heal" and hopes to move on with her life, the court was told.
Murphy, of King William Street, was convicted of rape and assault by penetration. He has previous convictions for battery, sending offensive communications and assaulting someone in a pub with a glass.
But references from friends also described him as "a wonderful person" and "big-hearted" who had overcome a difficult start to life.
"It will take considerable time to make you open to rehabilitation," said Judge Anna Richardson.