A 28-YEAR-OLD man has been convicted of three counts of rape against a woman following a five day trial.
After deliberating for four hours and 49 minutes, the jury at the Royal Court found David Sullivan unanimously guilty of committing the acts against a woman who he met online.
Sullivan was originally charged with four counts of rape. However, the fourth charge returned a not guilty verdict, following legal direction from Commissioner Sir John Saunders, after the prosecution gave no evidence relating to it.
During the trial, the jury heard that Sullivan had become obsessed with the woman and sat in a tree outside her house watching her.
Crown Advocate Simon Thomas, prosecuting, told the court that Sullivan raped her on three occasions.
The case has been adjourned to 20 January when a sentencing date will be decided and Sullivan has been remanded into custody.
Advocate Sarah Dale was defending with Commissioner Sir John Saunders presiding.
Commenting on the case, Detective Constable Jo Le Maistre said: ‘We are committed to investigating and prosecuting all domestic violence perpetrators and want to assure victims that they will be listened to and believed. There are a number of agencies who offer support and guidance to those who have been victims to domestic abuse.
‘We continue to work alongside partners, especially support and advocacy services such as the SARC, Jersey Action Against Rape and the Jersey Women’s Refuge, to encourage victims of sexual crime to report such incidents.
‘The SARC at Dewberry House provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. The centre comprises of a team of experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience in advising, supporting and treating anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They can be reached on 01534 888222.’
