A MAN has been jailed for 10 years for the rape and sexual abuse of a woman in Devon.

Philip Street, 59, of Greenaway in Morchard Bishop, near Crediton, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Friday, May 1.

Street had previously been found guilty at a trial in March 2026 of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and a sexual assault.

He was also found guilty of two multiple incident counts that reflected other occasions in the time period where he had raped and assaulted the victim.

Street must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

During the trial, the court heard how Street had abused his victim over the course of a two-year period, and that he used fear to facilitate the abuse.

The victim would tell Street no, and try to push him off or away from her, but he persisted.

She described that because Street was much bigger in build and height than her, he just carried on and did what he wanted despite her protestations and efforts to resist him.

Street repeatedly told the victim that it ‘was their secret’.

He also told her that nobody would believe her, allowing him to continue the abuse.

Street’s offending came to light when the victim made disclosures at her GP surgery and Police were contacted.

In his Police interview Street initially denied raping or having sex with the victim, but his DNA was later recovered from the victim’s forensic swabs.

He then stated that in that case he must have had sex with her, but that it had happened consensually.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Craig Ferguson, said: “I welcome today’s sentencing which follows a detailed and lengthy investigation.

“In his evidence Philip Street sought to present his sexual abuse and the repeated rape of his victim as consensual, and as an affair.

“The very notion of this explanation is abhorrent, and a smear upon the victim and her character.

“Her position was clear - that Street repeatedly forced himself onto her despite her efforts to stop him and resist him.

“He has been shown to be a sexual predator who disregarded his victims voice, and has now rightly been imprisoned.

“The victim has shown tremendous courage and resolve throughout this difficult investigation and court process.

“I would like to pay tribute to her following today’s outcome for finding the strength to speak out against her abuser, and for attending Court and giving her evidence in this difficult case.

“At the start of this process, she explained to me that she wanted justice for what had happened to her, and I hope that today’s outcome and sentence helps towards that realisation for her.

“Devon and Cornwall Police remain committed to supporting victims of sexual abuse, and to actively prosecuting those who commit violence against women and girls.”

Support available

If you have been affected by this article there is support available.

You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.

You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.

Advice and support can also be found at:

National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999 Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626

For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault