Man jailed for rape and coercive behaviour

A 48-year-old man has been jailed after being found guilty of rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration and controlling and coercive behaviour.

Richard Hutchinson, from Bury St Edmunds, appeared at Huntingdon Crown Court yesterday, Thursday 12 March, where he was sentenced to a total of eight years’ imprisonment. He was also issued with a 10-year restraining order and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

The offences were committed against one woman.

In a victim impact statement read out in court, she said: “(He) took everything I used to be away from me… I felt that I didn’t even recognise myself in the mirror. I didn’t feel like I had a way out, every time I ended it, I felt trapped by all of it because he wouldn’t let me leave…He is Jekyll and Hyde on the surface but he comes across as a caring, funny guy but then changes to someone who is unpredictable and incredibly scary.”

PC Sarah Jamieson who was the officer in charge of the case said: “Hutchinson is a dangerous individual, whose misogynistic attitude towards women was clear from the evidence given in court.

“He forced his victim to relive the trauma of her experiences by refusing to admit his guilt. I am thankful to the jury for seeing through his lies, and welcome the sentence given.

“I would also like to praise the victim for her strength in coming forward to report the crimes against her and for supporting the criminal justice process. I hope she is able to move forward and heal now that he has been convicted for his crimes.

“I would like to ask for anyone else suffering from similar to come forward. We have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity and compassion.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help. Victims are encouraged to contact police or the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 977 5690.

A list of support organisations can also be found here Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Suffolk Constabulary

Further support and advice can be found on the Suffolk Constabulary website: Advice about domestic abuse | Suffolk Constabulary

You can also request information under Clare’s Law, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. This scheme enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have.