A 28-year-old man, who raped and assaulted a woman, has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Jack Frankum, of Glebelands in Cheriton Bishop, was sentenced today, Thursday, May 25, at Exeter Crown Court to eight years for rape and four years for assault by penetration, which will run concurrently.

He is to serve two thirds of the eight years, with the remainder on licence.

Frankum was found guilty following a trial held in April 2023.

The offences took place one evening in August 2019.

The court heard how on both occasions the victim had pleaded with him to stop. She described how, after the offences, Frankum had acted like nothing had happened and tried to make small talk and unrelated conversation.

In police interviews she said the ordeal had left her feeling worthless and frightened of Frankum.

Following the sentencing the police case officer, DC Craig Ferguson, said: “This has been a very lengthy and detailed police investigation, which has seen some delays in the courts whilst we awaited trial.

“I wish to acknowledge the courage and fortitude of the victim in remaining committed to this case, and her path to justice throughout this investigation and the delay that we have seen.

“I also wish to pay personal tribute to the victim, and her absolute strength in attending court to give her evidence at the trial.

“I acknowledge that this was incredibly difficult for her given what Frankum had done. It is only through the victim’s strength throughout this process that we have seen this result, and I hope that she can now move forward in her life with her family in the knowledge that she has seen some justice for what he did to her.

“We remain committed to supporting survivors of abuse and sexual offences and we will actively investigate and, where evidence supports, charge people who commit these crimes.”

Anyone who may have been affected by anything raised in this article can contact police via the website here or by calling 101.

The freephone NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 is available for anyone to report or seek advice about non-recent abuse. Calls can be made anonymously.

If you require help or assistance relating to sexual abuse, please look at the below list of helplines:

National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999

Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC): 0300 3034626

Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor Service: 03458 121212

Victim Care Unit: 01392 475900

Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services: 01392 204 174

First Light is an independent charity supporting people in Cornwall, Devon and Wiltshire who have been affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

In an emergency, always call 999 and in a non-emergency please visit: www.dc.police.uk/contact .