TORQUAY PERSONAL TRAINER JUSTIN REEVE JAILED FOR RAPE OF WOMEN MET ONLINE
A personal trainer from Torquay who exhibited deviant behavior has been sentenced to prison for the sexual assault of two women he encountered online.Justin Reeve assaulted one woman at her residence after she sought his assistance with weight loss and fitness.
The second victim was a participant in a consensual sexual encounter on a swingers website, which turned violent when Reeve’s demeanor changed, leading him to force her into anal sex despite her protests.
The 18-stone fitness enthusiast was described as a "monster" by one of his victims.
He was found guilty by a jury in a February trial and was summoned to Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday for sentencing.
Reeve, residing on Woodland Close in Torquay, was deemed a threat to women by the judge and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
An additional five years were added to his term to further protect women, resulting in a total of 19 years.
Judge Don Tait stated that Reeve posed a significant risk to women he could encounter alone, especially in his capacity as a fitness trainer or through online casual encounters.
Evidence during the trial indicated that Reeve, who is over six feet tall, advertised himself as a trainer conducting boot camps, primarily targeting women.
The first assault occurred in 2017 after Reeve met the victim via Facebook.
The plan was for him to visit her home for discussions about fitness and meal plans.
The woman later reflected that she might have been naive to invite him, believing her safety was assured by his profession.
Once at her house, Reeve pinned her to the bed and forcibly raped her, casually remarking, "Well that was fun" afterward.
The victim described feeling scared and panicked during the attack, with no indication she consented.
She called a friend in tears and contacted police.
The second incident took place in 2020 after Reeve engaged in conversations with a woman on FabSwingers.com for several weeks before agreeing to meet.
Initial sexual activity was consensual, but Reeve soon became aggressive, slapping the woman and questioning her interest in rough sex.
Despite her repeated refusals, he restrained her and raped her.
His mood then shifted to anger as he accused her of lying and misleading him through her online profile.
Reeve committed two additional rapes during this encounter.
He claimed that the sexual acts were consensual, but he was convicted on four counts of rape.
During the hearing, Reeve’s defense lawyer, Mr.
Dan Pawson-Pounds, acknowledged that Reeve now accepts that the women did not consent.
The lawyer noted the defendant’s troubled childhood and his development of deviant sexual attitudes, emphasizing several character references attesting to his hard-working nature and entrepreneurial spirit.
Reeve, aged 44, has prior convictions for violence.
Victims' statements expressed ongoing emotional turmoil and a loss of trust in others.
One victim stated her life had been turned upside down, feeling she had been through hell and trusted the wrong person in inviting Reeve into her home.
The other victim said she felt humiliated and contaminated, living with regrets and constant distress.
Judge Tait agreed with a probation report that assessed Reeve as a significant danger, recommending he serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for release.
He paid tribute to the victims’ bravery in giving evidence.
The judge remarked on their courage in police engagement and court testimony, emphasizing the impact of Reeve’s actions on their lives and expressing hope that the sentence would provide some closure.
DC Dan Locker, leading the investigation, commented after sentencing: “We are pleased that justice has been served, and Reeve will be detained for a significant period.
We commend the victims for their resilience and bravery in coming forward.
Devon and Cornwall Police remain committed to supporting survivors and pursuing offenders.
We take all reports of sexual misconduct seriously and are determined to bring perpetrators to justice.
Do not suffer in silence; we will listen and support you.”
