Andrew Hubbard

Andrew Hubbard, a 34-year-old former café owner from Norfolk, was convicted at Norwich Crown Court of rape and controlling and coercive behaviour following a trial in October. The case centred on an incident where Hubbard entered a bedroom with his genitals exposed, leading the victim to believe he wanted her to perform oral sex on him. The victim, who was terrified at the time, complied out of fear.

During the trial, jurors heard detailed accounts of the assault, which formed the basis of the rape conviction. Hubbard, who owned Lily Mai's café in Cromer—previously known as Craft Burger—denied all charges but was found guilty on the key counts. He was acquitted of a second count of rape, as well as offences of kidnap and voyeurism. Earlier in the proceedings, the jury was directed to find him not guilty of escaping lawful custody.

The court was informed that Hubbard had also been convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour, highlighting a pattern of abusive conduct towards the victim. Following his conviction, Judge Anthony Bate addressed Hubbard directly, stating that he should prepare to go to prison, indicating a likely custodial sentence. Hubbard, who intends to appeal his conviction, was granted conditional bail with a curfew from 10pm to 7am and required to reside at his address in St Mary's Close, Roughton.

A hearing to set the sentencing date was adjourned after Hubbard instructed a new barrister. Originally scheduled for 15 December, the sentencing was postponed to 13 February the following year to allow time for the new representation. Prosecutor Sally Hobson noted during the hearing the additional trauma suffered by the victim due to her name being circulated on social media, breaching lifelong anonymity protections for sex offence victims. Judge Bate urged Norfolk Police to investigate those responsible, describing the breach as a serious matter that added to the victim's anxiety.

Hubbard, formerly of Hannah Close in Sheringham, owned the café in New Street, Cromer, at the time of the offences. The case underscores the courts' commitment to protecting victims' identities, with penalties for breaches up to £5,000. A police spokesman confirmed that officers were investigating the social media posts naming the victim.