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Man jailed for nine years for rape in Elmswell

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A 34-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a woman in Elmswell in 2021.

John Hutton, formerly of Mendlesham, was convicted following a five-day trial at Ipswich Crown Court. He had previously denied the charge of rape but was convicted on 3 May before being sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment on Friday, 26 July.

Photo of Jon Hutton, a convicted rapist
John Hutton was convicted of rape and sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a woman in Elmswell in 2021Suffolk Constabulary

Key details:

  • The incident occurred on 7 July 2021 after a night out

  • Hutton was known to the victim, who was in her 30s

  • Evidence suggested the victim may have been drugged

  • DNA evidence linked Hutton to the crime

What they're saying: In her victim impact statement, the woman described feeling "empty" and unsure if she would ever feel "normal" again:

"The time I have lost because of all of this is no longer retrievable. The days that were lost, laying in bed at my parents' house after it happened. Unable to talk. Unable to sleep. Just laying and feeling empty. Not knowing if I was ever going to feel ‘normal’ again.”

DC Kelly Dale praised the victim's bravery, saying: "I hope she can take some closure from this result to rebuild her life."

What's next: Hutton must serve at least six years in prison before being eligible for release on licence. He was also given a restraining order and must sign the sex offenders register for life.

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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