Victims help put rapist behind bars

Two survivors of sexual abuse have been praised for their courage and honesty after helping detectives put a rapist behind bars.

Both women were vulnerable teenagers when they were raped by Jordan Hutchinson but possessed the bravery to speak to officers about the degrading ordeals he subjected them to.

Their accounts, along with messages recovered from Hutchinson’s mobile phone, gave detectives the evidence they needed to secure charges against him.

The first victim was raped and sexually assaulted by Hutchinson during late 2019 and early 2020.

He raped the second victim on multiple occasions between the summer of 2020 and early 2021.

One victim locked herself in her bathroom and called a friend in panic after being raped by Hutchinson.

Despite the weight of evidence against him, Hutchinson continued to deny his offending in interviews and took the case to a trial at Nottingham Crown Court in April.

A jury believed the victims not Hutchinson, and he was convicted of six counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

Hutchinson, aged 24, of Foxearth Avenue, Nottingham, was handed an extended custodial sentence of 15 years when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (4 July).

He was also given an indefinite restraining order, which forbids him from contacting either victim, and was added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Laura Sunderland, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“These two young women were both subjected to appalling sexual assaults at the hands of Hutchinson.

“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 and the judge also praised them as courageous, intelligent, articulate and truthful.

“The way they have conducted themselves is a stark contract to Hutchinson’s behaviour.

“Messages on Hutchinson’s phone revealed he knew what he had done was wrong, and yet he continued to commit these appalling sexual assaults.

“He also persisted in denying his offending, which meant both victims had to face a lengthy legal process and a trial.

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

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

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