Man jailed for 16 years after rape and indecent assault

Detectives from our specialist child abuse investigation team have secured justice for a woman abused more than 30 years ago.

Sixty-nine year-old James Boyle was convicted in April of abusing the female between 1986 and 1991 when she was a teenager.

The offences took place in Cambridgeshire while Boyle was a serving Cambridgeshire Police officer.

The victim reported what had happened to her in 2018 following an exchange of messages on social media.

She told us Boyle’s abuse had left her feeling upset, ashamed, and guilty.

However, following our investigation Boyle, of Sudbury Place, Edinburgh was convicted of two counts of rape and one of indecent assault following a trial at Cambridgeshire Crown Court.

At the same court today (Monday 26 June), he was sentenced to 16 years in jail.

'Victim's bravery'

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Carla Hillyer, now positioned on our specialist Quest team, said:

“James Boyle’s abuse has had a significant impact on the victim, and I want to pay tribute to the bravery she has shown in coming forward and telling us what happened.
“At the time he was questioned in relation to the offences, Boyle was a trained defence barrister. He knew the system, and had support from many professional colleagues, providing character references in his defence.
“He denied the abuse he subjected the victim to ever happened.
“And yet the jury saw through this and found him guilty.
“No court result will ever turn back time but I hope this helps the victim move forward.
“She has been listened to and she has been believed. It is never too late to get justice.”

DS Hillyer added:

“I also want to highlight the work of Detective Constable Adam Clarke who has worked tirelessly on this case.
“I am pleased our efforts have resulted in Boyle’s conviction and justice for the victim.”

Synergy Essex provides support and guidance for survivors of sexual and sexual abuse across Essex.

The Essex Rape Crisis Partnership is formed of three organisations:

• CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) who cover mid and north Essex.
• SERICC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service) who cover South and West Essex.
• SOS Rape Crisis who cover Southend, Castle Point and Rochford.

Survivors can self-refer and receive emotional support, specialist sexual violence and abuse counselling and or specialist advocacy services, no matter when the sexual violence or abuse occurred. In addition to this, they also offer support to survivor’s loved ones.

For more information about how to get support, visit the Synergy Essex website.