Locations
Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12
Description
A dangerous sexual predator has been jailed for raping two women.
Matthew Hall, aged 39, from Newton Abbot, was described as a 'monster' by one of his traumatised victims and a 'worst nightmare' by the other.
He pleaded guilty to two charges of rape and a further five charges of sexual assault and one of assault by penetration.
He initially claimed to suffer with sexomnia - also known as sex sleep - but later admitted his guilt.
Exeter Crown Court was told he poses a danger to women. The judge sentenced him to 14 years with an extra two years added on extended licence due to the risk he poses.
The court heard harrowing victim personal statements from both women.
One said that before the incident she had been a happy, bubbly and independent woman. She now feels broken and mentally tortured by what happened. She suffers ongoing anxiety and panic attacks, flashbacks and nightmares.
Hall waited until the day after his planned trial had been due to start before admitting rape.
The victim said the wait for justice had only added to her agony but she had found the strength to fight for the truth.
The second woman said the rape had left her in a constant state of fear and still haunts her. She feels the confident person she was is a distant memory.
The defendant is a man of previous good character. The court was told Hall had a 'perfect blue-eyed boy image' which hid his true sinister nature.
A pre-sentence report described him as 'manipulative and predatory' and someone who took advantage of women when they were at their most vulnerable.
He poses a high risk of causing serious harm to women.
Judge Anna Richardson said 'in spite of extremely strong evidence' Hall waited before pleading guilty.
She accepted he is remorseful, to an extent. She added: "No person is one dimensional, and those references make clear that you can be kind, supportive, helpful, diligent, and are loved by your family and friends who are incredibly sad."
But she said a determinate sentence would not fully address the risk he represents to the public in the future. The parole board will decide when the right time is to release him after which he will be on licence for the full 16 years.
He was put on the sex offenders register for life.
Afterwards, investigating officer, Detective Constable Tia Smallridge said: “This has been a long and protracted investigation spanning over four years. The defendant, Mr Hall, targeted and took advantage of the victims, and violated them in a place where they should have felt safe from harm.
“Even throughout the court proceedings, various efforts to thwart the case has been successfully overcome and resulted in Hall pleading guilty.
“Hall is a dangerous sexual predator whose own sexual desire and preoccupation was his only thought. He showed no regard for the victims and the impact of his actions on their lives, not only at the material time of the offending, but also the lasting impact his actions will have in their futures.
“I praise the courage and commitment of both victims during the course of the investigation and court proceedings. Without their bravery and trust in the police and justice system to seek justice on their behalf, we would not be able to welcome the sentence passed by Her Honour Judge Anna Richardson today."