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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.

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

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

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

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