Woman praised for ‘courage’ after Manx rapist jailed

A woman who was raped in a sustained and “extremely harrowing” attack on the Isle of Man has been praised by police for her bravery following the jailing of her attacker.

Jon-Paul Fayle was jailed for 18 years and nine months on Wednesday for the ordeal, which Deemster Graeme Cook said had had a “serious effect” on the woman.

Det Insp Nick Haxby, of Isle of Man Constabulary, praised her “continued resilience and courage” in reporting the attack and throughout the legal process.

The lengthy sentence handed down would “provide some level of closure for the victim” and also serve to “send a message out that offenders face significant consequences of their actions,” he said.

Fayle repeatedly assaulted the woman on 24 November 2023 in a flat in Douglas after locking the door and overpowering her.

She reported the abuse to a nearby shopkeeper after escaping the flat the following morning.

Fayle was arrested by police several days later after “extensive efforts” to locate him by specialist officers.

The 32-year-old was found guilty of offences including rape, attempted rape and sexual assault after a trial at Douglas Courthouse in September last year.

At a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, he was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Haxby said: “The victim was subjected to the most serious of sexual offences in a prolonged and sustained incident.

“I would like to praise the courage of the victim, not only in disclosing such offences but in showing continued resilience and courage throughout the lengthy judicial process.”

Haxby also praised Victim Support Isle of Man for its continued guidance and empathy offered to the woman, and prosecutors for their “tireless efforts in securing this conviction on the victim’s behalf”.