Joshua Theophanides

Joshua Theophanides, a 37-year-old man from Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, has been convicted of one count of rape and three counts of stalking following a trial at Exeter Crown Court. The court heard harrowing details of how Theophanides carried out a brutal rape on a woman, an attack that left her with a devastating psychological impact. In addition to the sexual assault, Theophanides demonstrated a pattern of manipulative behaviour by creating numerous fictitious social media accounts across various platforms to stalk his victims.

The prosecution detailed how Theophanides used these fake profiles to follow and contact the rape victim, as well as an individual known to her, in an effort to gather intimate details about their personal lives. This invasive surveillance extended to another woman he encountered on a dating app, where he repeated the same stalking tactics to obtain private information solely for his own sexual gratification. Despite denying the allegations during police interviews and even claiming they were part of a conspiracy orchestrated by the victims, Theophanides was found guilty by the jury.

Investigating officer DC Rachael Delaney from Devon and Cornwall Police described Theophanides as a 'master of manipulation' who had evaded justice for too long through a 'web of lies'. She highlighted his attempts to control and blame his victims, praising their bravery in coming forward. 'I am so proud of their bravery and courage in reporting these offences to the police,' Delaney stated, emphasising the profound devastation caused by the stalking, which was largely conducted through social media platforms and had a huge impact on the victims' lives.

The sentencing at Exeter Crown Court resulted in an extended sentence for Theophanides, comprising 11 years in custody followed by four years on extended licence. He was also required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years. Additionally, restraining orders were imposed to protect all three victims involved in the case. This outcome underscores the severe consequences of sexual offences and stalking, with the case reported by ITV News West Country on 5 June 2024.