138 sex offence convictions for Devon and Cornwall Police in 2026

In the space of six months, 138 people have been convicted of sexual offences following investigations by Devon and Cornwall Police. Fifty-five of them were convicted of rape. Between them, those 55 offenders committed 99 rapes, and the courts have handed them close to 400 years in prison.

The figures cover January to June 2026.

What the police said

Chief Inspector Zoe Taylor, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said the results reflected the force’s commitment to victims of sexual violence.

“These results show just how dedicated Devon & Cornwall Police is to getting justice for victims of sexual violence and removing violent perpetrators from the streets,” she said.

“It takes a lot of courage to report crimes of this nature, not least because victims will be severely traumatised by what has happened to them. It’s important that people report serious and violent crime and get the support they need from both police and our partner agencies, such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and the Victim Care Unit (VCU). Any report will be taken seriously and victims will be listened to, believed and supported.”

Zoe added, “We will remain proactive in seeking out and arresting perpetrators of serious and violent sexual offences.”

A survivor’s account

Among the cases was that of a woman the force has called Penny, which is not her real name. Her attacker was convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

“Reporting rape was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it was also one of the most important,” she said.

“In those first moments, the officers who responded listened to me, believed me about what had happened and made me feel that I was doing the right thing by reporting as I was filled with so much doubt, fear, confusion and the unknown of what would happen.

“After everything I’d been through, that validation of what had just happened meant more than I can put into words. As victims we doubt our reality and it helped me realise that what had happened to me mattered, had happened, was not right and that my voice deserved to be heard.”

Penny credited an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor with helping her through what came next.

“The process that followed was long and emotionally challenging, but I was incredibly fortunate to have an amazing Independent Sexual Violence Advisor who supported me throughout and helped me keep going.

“I would strongly encourage anyone who has experienced rape or sexual violence to report. Having your experience acknowledged can be the first step towards justice and healing. Your experience and voice matter.”

Where to get support

Sarah West, who manages the Victim Care Unit, said its help is open to anyone affected by crime, regardless of when it happened.

“The Victim Care Unit is here to help anyone who has been a victim of any type of crime,” she said.

“Every victim of crime has the right to be offered support and the Victim Care Unit can refer victims for ongoing support to a number of independent support services. A Victim Care Officer will take the time to discuss how the person has been impacted without asking them to repeat details of what happened.

“This support is confidential and free. I would urge any victim of crime to contact the service no matter when the crime happened.”

Anyone who has experienced a sexual offence is encouraged to report it to police and to seek help from support services. Information on how and where to get help, and how to report, is available through the force’s support after rape and sexual assault page, or the Victim Care Unit.