JOSHUA ABBOTT

A man from Cornwall who assaulted a woman after an evening out in South Yorkshire has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Joshua Abbott, aged 25 and residing at Ashfield Villas, Falmouth, Cornwall, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court for sentencing following his conviction for rape last month.

The court, which conducted a three-day trial, was informed that Abbott raped the woman on November 20, 2017, after they had been out in Sheffield.

South Yorkshire Police indicated that the woman initially engaged in consensual sex with Abbott after they returned to a friend’s house after their night in the city.

However, the next morning, Abbott attempted to persuade her into having sex again.

After she repeatedly refused, he bit her on the back and forcibly assaulted her, raping her before going back to sleep.

During police interviews, Abbott denied the assault, claiming he remembered having consensual sex with the woman, whom he had met through mutual friends.

The woman confided in her friends that Abbott had raped her and then left the house.

A witness stated that Abbott told police, “I am sorry for what I have done,” before leaving the address.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Susannah Taylor commented, “This case centers on a young woman who was raped by Abbott and has endured a lengthy investigation driven by his denial of the crime.

She has shown remarkable bravery, and the sentencing reflects that.

I hope it offers her some closure.

Abbott’s behavior in 2017 was selfish and hurtful, and I am glad he will now serve time in prison.” At the sentencing hearing, Abbott was given a four-year prison sentence and was also subject to a lifelong restraining order.