A 19-year-old man from Exeter, Sonny Boyes, has been handed a 17-year prison sentence after raping and sexually assaulting two teenage girls in a single day, with a further seven years added to his sentence due to the severity of his crimes. The court also imposed a sexual harm prevention order that will restrict his behaviour for the rest of his life.

Attack in Digby Area

The attacks occurred in the Digby area of Exeter on March 9, 2025, when Boyes, who was under the influence of alcohol and ketamine, first raped a 16-year-old girl in the bushes near Digby & Sowton train station shortly before 9 p.m. After she fled the scene, he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl who was waiting for a train. He groped and molested her while she sat on a bench and continued the assault after she boarded the train.

Both victims repeatedly said no to him, but Boyes was described in court as ‘forceful and persistent.’ The second victim was approached by members of the public and train staff after Boyes left the train at the next stop. The incident was immediately reported to the police, and Boyes was arrested at 10:20 p.m. that evening.

Arrest at McDonald’s

Boyes was arrested at a McDonald’s restaurant in the area shortly after the attacks. Police descended on the restaurant and led him away in cuffs. He was under the influence of alcohol and ketamine at the time and repeatedly asked why he was being arrested.

‘Put your hands behind your back for me, Sonny,’ said police. Boyes protested, asking, ‘Why are you arresting me?’ When told he was being arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, he replied, ‘What the f***’ before complying and being led away.

Conviction and Sentencing

Boyes was charged and stood trial in October of last year. The jury convicted him of two rapes, four assaults by penetration, and three sexual assaults. During the sentencing, the judge stated that Boyes had ‘charmed and alarmed’ the victims and had demonstrated misogynistic views throughout the criminal justice process.

The judge also noted that Boyes had shown derogatory behaviour towards females he had encountered, even while in custody. He had claimed he did not need to rape anyone because he was ‘too good looking.’

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jordan Pearce, praised the victims for their courage and said their bravery was crucial in securing the conviction. ‘They have both been through a horrific ordeal that no person should ever be subjected to and have continued to show incredible bravery throughout,’ DC Pearce said.

He also thanked the members of the public who acted quickly to report the incidents, which led to Boyes being detained rapidly and taken into custody for questioning and later charging.

Boyes has been added to the sex offender register for life and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order. The terms of the order prohibit him from following or speaking to women in public, using sexually explicit language to females in public, having sex in public places, and using public transport when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Boyes must serve two-thirds of his 17-year sentence in prison before he is eligible for release. The Parole Board must decide if it is safe to release him at that point.