Torquay rapist jailed

14 years for attacks on two women

A Torquay man who raped two women has been jailed.

Justin Reeve, 44, of Woodland Road, was found guilty of four rapes in February, and has now been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

The court heard that Reeve met the first victim in 2017 and raped her after being invited to her home to help with a meal plan in his capacity as a fitness trainer.

He met the second victim online in 2020 and after a number of weeks they arranged to meet.

The victim travelled to Reeve’s home and they initially engaged in consensual sex. But when the victim asked to stop, Reeve ignored her and subsequently raped her three times.

DC Dan Locker, who led the investigation, said after sentencing: “We are pleased that justice has been served, and that Reeve will be behind bars for a considerable time.

“We wish to pay tribute to the victims, who showed tremendous resilience and courage in coming forward and giving evidence. Devon and Cornwall Police remain committed to supporting survivors of abuse and will seek to prosecute offenders."

Rachael Lane, Senior Crown Prosecutor for Crown Prosecution Service South West, said: “The CPS South West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit worked closely alongside the Devon and Cornwall Police investigative team to build the strongest possible case and secure these convictions. This would not have been possible without the victims coming forward to tell their stories, and I commend their bravery in doing so.

“CPS South West is working with Devon and Cornwall Police on an ambitious project called Operation Soteria, which is testing new ways of working to improve how the CPS and police handle rape investigations and prosecutions, drive up the number of successful prosecutions and deliver justice for victims.

“We want every victim to have the confidence that their case will be fully investigated by the police and that, in every case where our legal tests are met, the CPS will prosecute.”