Victims tell others: ‘The police will listen to you’

THE victims of Ricky Stubberfield have praised investigators for their efforts and support throughout the case, with one saying she was initially “terrified” of not being believed by police.

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The sentencing of Stubberfield marks an element of closure for his many victims, but detectives investigating the case fully recognise what the women suffered at his hands will undoubtedly never leave them and may impact them for many years to come.

However, the support which police put in place has been highly praised by a number of the women.

On Tuesday, the predator, of Wainut Gardens, Plympton, was jailed for 26 years with a further six on licence. He has been put on the sex offender register for life.

In anonymised statements released by Devon and Cornwall Police, one victim said: “I've felt listened to - not just heard, but understood. That alone has been healing in ways I didn’t even know I needed.

“You've made an experience that could have been re-traumatising feel safe, empowering, and most of all, worth it. You've given me back a sense of control.”

Another thanked investigators, adding: “The kindness, compassion, professionalism, and genuine care shown from the very beginning through to the trial and beyond has honestly meant more to me than I can explain.”

In most sexual assault cases these days, victims are video recorded by police at a dedicated unit in Exmouth Road, often breaking down in tears as they recount the attack.