19-Year-Old Charged in Exeter Rail Sexual Assaults
Suspect Arrested and Facing Multiple Charges
Sonny Boyes, 19, from Exeter, has been hit with multiple sexual offence charges after two shocking attacks on teenage girls near Digby and Sowton railway station and on a train to Exeter St David’s. The assaults happened on the evening of Friday, 9 May 2025.
- Two counts of rape
- Three counts of assault by penetration
Boyes is accused of attacking two teenage girls, aged 16 and 17, in separate but closely timed incidents. He is due to appear at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on 12 May 2025.
Detective Inspector Emma Lefort of Devon and Cornwall Police praised the victims for their bravery and confirmed that specialist officers are supporting them.
Timeline of Shocking Attacks
The assaults took place between 8:45 PM and 10:00 PM on 9 May:
- The 16-year-old girl was raped on Clyst Halt Avenue, close to the railway station.
- The 17-year-old was sexually assaulted twice – once on the station platform and again on a train heading to Exeter St David’s.
Police quickly established scene guards and launched high-visibility patrols around the Digby and Sowton area to gather evidence and reassure the public.
Police Launch Urgent Witness Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Pebworth is urging anyone with information to step forward, especially:
- People near Digby and Sowton railway station during the time of the attacks
- Passengers on trains between 8:45 PM and 10:00 PM
- Anyone who saw suspicious activity or captured relevant footage
Witnesses can contact Devon and Cornwall Police at 101 quoting reference 50250116456, visit devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact, or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Community and Police Step Up Patrols
The attacks have rocked the Exeter community. Police have increased patrols across the Digby and Sowton area, focusing on railway stations and surrounding networks to boost safety and confidence.
British Transport Police are working hand-in-hand with local forces, reviewing CCTV footage and coordinating forensic investigations to bring Boyes to justice swiftly.
