In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Christopher Hotine, then 39, of Paignton, Devon, was sentenced to a total of 25 years for “vicious” acts of sexual violence. On Friday, 6 February 2026, Hotine appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentencing after being convicted of two counts of rape, sexual assault, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The investigation established that Hotine targeted his victim on two separate occasions. During the first “vile” incident, he poured wine over the woman’s head, locked her in a room, and “viciously” restricted her breathing before raping her. The second “despicable” attack occurred when he entered the victim’s home and bedroom early in the morning, assaulting her while she was in her bed. The court reported that these “reprehensible” offences have had a devastating psychological impact on the survivor.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the level of “vicious” physical violence used, including pulling the victim’s hair and restricting her air supply, made the case exceptionally “serious.” The judge emphasised that Hotine showed a “vile” disregard for the victim’s safety and autonomy, particularly by invading her home to carry out the second rape. The prosecution emphasised that the defendant’s actions were “reprehensible” and calculated to cause maximum terror.
During the sentencing hearing, the judge emphasised that Hotine posed a significant danger to the public, justifying an extended sentence. The prosecution emphasised that the “vile” nature of the home-invasion attack proved the defendant was a predatory and “vicious” individual. For his crimes in Devon, the court determined that a lengthy custodial term followed by a six-year extended licence was necessary to ensure long-term public protection.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Christopher Hotine was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 19 years in immediate custody.
- Extended Licence: A further six years on licence (total sentence of 25 years).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Convictions: Found guilty of two rapes, sexual assault, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Hotine is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Devon & Cornwall Police and the prison estate. Due to the “vicious” nature of his sexual violence and the “vile” use of physical restraint, his management is under the highest level of scrutiny by the Public Protection Unit.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Hotine must comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding his future residence. Authorities state that his “reprehensible” history and the “vicious” home-invasion rape justify the 25-year extended sentence. Any breach of his registration conditions, his extended licence terms, or his future behaviour upon release will result in his immediate arrest and return to Exeter Crown Court.
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