British Army Corporal Jailed for Brutal Rape and Assault in Plymouth
Soldier’s Sickening Attack on Vulnerable Woman
Corporal Sam Evans, 29, of the British Army, has been sentenced to 14 years behind bars, plus four more years on licence, after a Plymouth Crown Court judge branded him dangerous. The soldier preyed on a woman he met via a dating app, targeting her when he spotted her at a nightclub in Plymouth last July.
Evans cunningly convinced the woman, who was drunk and vulnerable after losing her phone, to return to his home under the guise of getting her safe. But once isolated, his charm vanished.
Violent Ordeal Leaves Victim Hospitalised
Inside his flat, Evans launched a horrific attack. The woman suffered repeated sexual and physical assaults leaving her with concussion, severe bruising, and permanent internal injuries. CCTV footage captured her unsteady as he led her to his flat in Devonport.
He held her down by the throat, knocked her unconscious, and even humiliated her by urinating on her. The victim’s hospital treatment revealed multiple injuries, including jaw damage and cuts to her mouth.
Denials Fall as Court Convicts on Multiple Charges
Evans, based at Plymouth Citadel at the time, was convicted in March of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, non-fatal strangulation, and assault causing actual bodily harm. He denied all offences.
The court heard Evans had persistently tried to meet the victim through the dating app, despite her lack of interest. On July 2, 2022, he stalked her around Annabel’s nightclub and later manipulated her into sharing a taxi to his home – four miles from where she thought she was going.
Victim Vows to Help Others After Ordeal
“Sexual assault isn’t just physical – it attacks the very core of a person. Sam Evans caused me irreparable damage. But I refuse to let this break me,” the victim said.
“Thanks to Devon and Cornwall Police and the specialist officers, I’ve found strength and hope. I want other survivors to know they are not alone, and there is support ready for them.”
Police Praise Victim’s Courage and Specialist Team
Detective Constable Lee Tucker called the case “one of the worst we’ve dealt with” and said Evans showed “a dangerous double life” – respected soldier by day, predator by night. Tucker praised the victim’s bravery and hoped the sentence encourages other victims to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Fleetwood lauded the dedication of the police team and reiterated their commitment to tackling sexual violence through Project Gemstone – a specialist taskforce launched in Plymouth to improve investigations and support for victims.
Evans’ depraved actions have brought a strong message: predators will be caught and punished. The court’s verdict offers some justice and hope to victims in Plymouth and beyond.
