Victims help put violent rapist behind bars for 25 years

Two victims have been praised for their bravery after helping detectives to put a dangerous rapist behind bars.

Both women were raped by Nyal Hill in degrading and violent attacks.

He forced one woman to clean his home, suffocated her with a pillow and raped her.

Hill’s other victim was strangled, slapped and forced to have sex with him.

The 31-year-old, of Nottingham, continued to deny his offending but was found guilty following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.

He was jailed for a total of 25 years on Wednesday (25 September) after being convicted of three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, intentional strangulation, intentional suffocation and controlling and coercive behaviour.

Police were alerted to the first victim by a family member on 1 January 2023.

Hill had tried to throw her out of his flat while she was wearing only her underwear.

When officers attended the property she detailed how he had assaulted her, smashed her phone and made degrading remarks before raping her.

The second victim approached police in the street on 7 January 2024 and asked for help.

She revealed to officers how Hill had turned up at her home that day, climbed through a window and forced her to go to his house to clean it.

The woman managed to escape and was persuaded to seek the police’s help by a fellow tram passenger.

She later told detectives how Hill had put a pillow over her face while she was asleep, tried to control her and raped her.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Pym, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“These two women were both subjected to appalling and degrading ordeals at the hands of Hill.

“Officers are full of admiration for their courage and dignity in speaking out and helping us to put him behind bars. This outcome would not have been possible without them.

“Their bravery is in stark contrast to Hill’s behaviour. Despite the weight of evidence against him he continued to deny the offences – forcing his victims to face a lengthy and distressing legal process which included a crown court trial.

“My thoughts are with them and their families following the sentencing and I hope the jail term handed down to Hill at least gives them some closure.

“I would like to thank all officers and staff who worked so tirelessly to bring Hill to justice. 

“I also hope the sentencing will encourage other victims of rape and serious sexual assault to have the confidence to come forward and report offenders.

“Our experienced officers are here to help the victims of horrific crimes like this. You will be listened to and supported, and offenders will be brought to justice.”