A man who raped a teenage girl has received a 12-year prison sentence for the crime, as his then girlfriend was also jailed for trying to cover up for him.
Aaron James Davison, now 31, targeted his victim during the early hours of the morning at an address Northumberland, in July 2020.
Davison climbed into bed with the girl before sexually assaulting and then raping her.
The victim bravely disclosed what had taken place to a family member who then informed police.
Davison was immediately arrested but denied the allegations put before him.
The subsequent investigation revealed that his partner at the time, Sarah Pringle, 29, had washed Davison’s clothing in a bid to stop him being prosecuted and remove any evidence.
She had also provided a false statement to officers in an attempt to confound police.
Following a complex and long-spanning investigation, led by the Northumbria force's Safeguarding Department, in May 2023, Davison, of Lapwing Close, Blyth, was charged with three offences of rape, plus two further counts of sexual assault.
Pringle, of Fontburn, Ellington, in Northumberland, was also charged in May 2023 with one count of perverting the course of justice.
The pair stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court in May this year, where they were both found guilty of all offences.
Both were sentenced at the court yesterday (Monday, July 29), with Davison receiving 12-years' imprisonment, and Pringle was given a three-year jail term.
Davison was also made subject to lifetime registration and notification as a sex offender.
Detective Constable Karen Douglas, of the Safeguarding Department, led the investigation.
She said: “Davison preyed on a teenager in a cold and careless way, subjecting her to the worst ordeal imaginable.
"He then lied about his crimes, not worrying at all about the long-term effects this would have on her.
“He is undoubtedly a danger to our wider communities.
“I absolutely welcome this sentence and hope it provides his brave survivor with some degree of closure and a sense of justice.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to praise her for her bravery.
"I know it’s never easy to come forward, but her courage and composure during the investigation means he has been outed for what he is ... a rapist.”
Det Con Douglas added: “I hope this sentence serves as a stark warning to those among us who believe they can get away with crimes such as these.
"You can’t, and you won’t.
“No-one should ever have to endure this type of assault.
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"Support is available from our officers, charities, and the support services we work with day-in and day-out.
“Regardless of who you are, if you have ever been a victim of rape or any type of sexual assault, we’re here for you.”
Anyone wishing to disclose a report of rape or sexual assault can visit Northumbria Police’s website for more information. If it is an emergency, always call 999.
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