Man jailed after sexually assaulting teenage girls

Zhara SimpsonDevon
News imageDevon and Cornwall Police Sonny Boyes looking into the camera. He has brown eyes and hair.Devon and Cornwall Police
Sonny Boyes, 19, was found guilty by a jury at Exeter Crown Court on Friday

A 19-year-old man has been jailed after sexually assaulting two teenage girls.

Sonny Boyes, of Commercial Road in Exeter, appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Friday where the judge who sentenced him to 17 years described him as having a "breathless arrogance and distorted thinking".

The court was told how in the space of one hour on 9 May 2025, Boyes carried out multiple sexual offences.

Devon and Cornwall Police said following a trial in October 2025, a jury found him guilty of nine sexual offences, including two counts of rape.

The court was told Boyes raped and sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl near Digby and Sowton train station before 21:00 GMT on 9 May after getting off the train there. The victim was able to flee the area and call for help.

Boyes was then seen with a 17-year-old girl near the train station 45 minutes later who he struck up a conversation with. Police said he "very quickly turned the interaction sexual and began touching her despite her saying no on numerous occasions".

The "forceful and persistent" assault continued on the train and the court heard how the victim described "loudly" telling him to stop in hopes others would hear.

When Boyes left the train at the next stop, members of the public and train staff approached the victim and the incident was reported to police.

Police arrested Boyes in Exeter city centre later that evening. He was charged and appeared at court on 12 May where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

News imageDevon and Cornwall Police Sonny Boyes looking into the body camera with his mouth open. He is wearing a gold chain and yellow top.Devon and Cornwall Police
Body-worn cameras showed police arresting Boyes in Exeter city centre

On Friday, Boyes was sentenced to 17 years in prison with an extended licence of seven years.

Police said he would be on the sex offenders register for life and be subject to an indeterminate Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

During sentencing, the judge said that Boyes had "charmed and alarmed" the victims and that throughout the criminal justice process had demonstrated misogynistic views.

'Incredible bravery'

Det Con Jordan Pearce said the sentence highlighted the "seriousness of the offences" committed by Boyes.

"This outcome would not have been possible without the continuous courage shown by the victims," he said.

"They have both been through a horrific ordeal that no person should ever be subjected to and have continued to show incredible bravery throughout."

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