Moment man ‘too good trying to be a rapist’ is arrested in McDonald’s
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Sonny Boyes, 19, raped a 16-year-old girl in bushes near Digby and Sowton train station before sexually assaulting a 17-year-old on a train
Rapist Sonny Boyes being arrested in Exeter McDonald’s(Image: Devon & Cornwall Police)
This is the moment a brazen rapist was arrested – tucking into a takeaway at McDonald’s. Sonny Boyes, 19 was holding onto a drink when police approached and handcuffed him in full view of diners.
Earlier that evening he had targeted two girls in the Digby area of Exeter. He raped one in undergrowth and then sexually assaulted another on a train. His first victim had already contacted police and they tracked him down shortly afterwards at McDonald’s. When questioned, he said he was “too good looking” to be a rapist.
In police bodycam footage, officers can be heard saying: “Put your hands behind your back for me, Sonny.” Boyes, who was under the influence of alcohol and ketamine, repeatedly asked why he was being arrested, reports Devon Live.
When told it was on suspicion of sexual assault he replied “What the f***” before complying and being led away.
Boyes has now been jailed for 17 years at Exeter Crown Court. The judge said he posed such a threat to the public that he must also serve a further seven on licence.
The defendant, of Commercial Road, Exeter, raped a 16-year-old girl in bushes near Digby and Sowton train station, shortly before 9pm on March 9, 2025.
After she escaped he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl who was waiting for a train. He groped and molested her whilst she sat on a bench and continued the assault after she boarded the train.
Both victims repeatedly said no to him but he was ‘forceful and persistent’, the court heard. When Boyes alighted from the train at the following station, bystanders and railway personnel rushed to assist the victim, with the incident being reported to police straight away.
He was detained at 10.20pm that same evening and placed in custody. Following charges, he faced trial in October last year, where the jury found him guilty of two rapes, four assaults by penetration and three sexual assaults.
During sentencing, the judge remarked that Boyes had ‘charmed and alarmed’ his victims, noting that throughout the legal proceedings Boyes had displayed misogynistic attitudes and even whilst behind bars had continued to exhibit derogatory conduct towards women he encountered.
He claimed he didn’t need to rape anyone because he was too good looking.
Lead investigator Detective Constable Jordan Pearce commented: “We welcome the sentence handed down by the court today, which highlights the seriousness of the offences committed by Sonny Boyes.
“My utmost thanks and praise are foremost with the two victims. This outcome would not have been possible without the continuous courage shown by the victims. They have both been through a horrific ordeal that no person should ever be subjected to and have continued to show incredible bravery throughout.
“The crimes committed by Boyes on the 9 May 2025 have had a lasting impact on the victims, and the local community.
“He preyed on two young women, where he displayed aggressive and sexually harassing behaviour towards them. He was forceful and persistent in his attack committing two separate attacks in a very short period of time.
“He has shown no remorse for his actions throughout the investigation and during interview he was derogatory and sexist, where he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the victims.”
DC Pearce added: “I would also like to the thank all witnesses that came forward to give evidence – this was key in achieving a positive result in court today. I am grateful to the members of public who acted fast to report these incidents to us so we could prevent further harm. As a result of these reports, Boyes was detained incredibly quickly and taken into custody where he was interviewed and later charged.”
Boyes was put on the sex offender register for life and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
The terms of the order prohibit him following or speaking to women in public; using sexually explicit language to females in public; having sex in public places; and using public transport when under the influence of drink or drugs.
Boyes must serve two thirds of his 17-year sentence in prison before he is eligible for release. The Parole Board must decide if it is safe to do so.
