Devon man jailed for rape and sexual offences

He'll face 13 years behind bars

A Devon man has been jailed for 13 years for a range of sexual offences against two women.

28-year-old Jason Leat, of Black Dog near Crediton, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 19 September. He was convicted of two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault. He was also convicted of sexual assault against a second victim.

During the trial the court heard how on 4 July 2020 a woman had been out with friends in Crediton when she met Leat.

After the evening out Leat and a friend went to the victim’s flat for more drinks. When she got into bed, Leat got into bed with her uninvited.

She went to sleep and awoke to find Leat sexually assaulting her. She then went back to sleep again before awaking a second time to again find Leat sexually assaulting her.

She told Leat to stop and tried to go back to sleep. Leat then proceeded to twice rape the victim.

Leat left the property the following morning and the victim then called a friend and disclosed she’d been sexually assaulted.

On 18 July 2020, the second victim was out in Crediton with friends and was speaking to her friend when Leat approached her and sexually assaulted her over clothing.

DC Jon Stephens from the Public Protection Unit said: “I would like to praise the bravery of the victims in this case in reporting these crimes and for supporting police investigation. Their courage has brought a dangerous sexual predator to justice.

“We welcome the sentence passed by the judge and hope the outcome today gives other victims the strength to come forward and report offences to us. We will listen and your voices will be heard.”