A Rapist, Matthew Hall, 39, from Newton Abbot, was characterised as a ‘monster’ by one victim and a ‘worst nightmare’ by another devastated individual.
He admitted guilt to two counts of rape, five counts of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration.
Matthew Hall originally asserted that he experienced sexomnia, commonly referred to as dream sex, but then confessed his culpability.
Exeter Crown Court was informed that he presents a threat to women. The judge imposed a 14-year sentence, with an additional two years on extended licence due to the risk he presents.
The court received distressing personal statements from both female victims.
One stated that prior to the incident, she had been a content, vivacious, and autonomous lady. She currently feels shattered and psychologically tormented by the events that transpired. She experiences persistent anxiety, panic attacks, flashbacks, and dreams.
Matthew Hall confessed to rape the day following the scheduled commencement of his trial.
The victim stated that the prolonged wait for justice had exacerbated her suffering, yet she had discovered the fortitude to pursue the truth.
The second woman stated that the assault has rendered her perpetually fearful and continues to torment her. She perceives her former self, characterised by confidence, as a distant recollection.
The defendant, Matthew Hall, is a man of previous good character. The court was told Matthew Hall had a ‘perfect blue-eyed boy image’ which hid his true sinister nature.
A pre-sentence report described him as ‘manipulative and predatory’ and someone who took advantage of women when they were at their most vulnerable.
Matthew Hall poses a high risk of causing serious harm to women.
Judge Anna Richardson said ‘in spite of extremely strong evidence’ Hall waited before pleading guilty.
She accepted he is remorseful, to an extent. She added: “No person is one dimensional, and those references make clear that you can be kind, supportive, helpful, diligent, and are loved by your family and friends who are incredibly sad.”
But she said a determinate sentence would not fully address the risk he represents to the public in the future. The parole board will decide when the right time is to release him after which he will be on licence for the full 16 years.
Matthew Hall was put on the sex offenders register for life.
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