Man jailed for nine years for rape in Elmswell

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.

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.