A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to a total of eight-and-a-half years in prison for rape and other offences.

Colby Hill, of no fixed abode in Exeter, also known as Colby Seatherton, was found guilty at a trial at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday, February 3 on two counts of rape of a woman, charges he denied.

Appearing before the court for sentencing on Monday, March 30, he was imprisoned for eight-and-a-half years, plus one year’s extended licence and made subject of an indefinite restraining order as a result.

Hill was also jailed for intentional strangulation and two other non-sexual charges, to which he pled guilty at the start of the trial.

Detective Constable Jay McGhie, who led the investigation, said: ‘We welcome the sentence that he has been given which follows Hill’s conviction following a thorough investigation.

‘Today’s positive outcome is a testimony to the strength shown by the victim in this case, not only in coming forward to report this but also for showing great resilience throughout the judicial process.

‘We take all such incidents seriously and would encourage victims to come forward – you will be listened to, you will be believed and your reports will be investigated.

‘Devon & Cornwall Police is committed to working the criminal justice system to make our communities safer.”

Support available

If you have been affected by this article there is support available.

You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.

You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.

Advice and support can also be found at:

National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626

For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault