Army cadet instructor raped 'blind drunk' woman then boasted about it.

Army Cadet Instructor Jailed for Rape

Robert Wilkinson, a 22-year-old army cadet instructor from Newcastle, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for raping a "blind drunk" woman. The victim was so intoxicated that she vomited and was unaware of having her clothing removed and being abused by Wilkinson.

Wilkinson initially denied the charges of rape and sexual assault but was found guilty by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court. During the trial, the court heard that he had boasted about the assault in a text message to a friend on the way home.

Judge Penny Moreland, who sentenced Wilkinson, stated that the victim was "extremely drunk" and "particularly vulnerable." She emphasized the severity of the crime, highlighting that Wilkinson had taken advantage of the victim's intoxicated state.

When questioned by police, Wilkinson initially denied any sexual activity took place. However, he later changed his story to claim the encounter was consensual. This claim was rejected by the jury.

In addition to the prison sentence, Wilkinson will be placed on the sex offenders register for life and will be barred from working with vulnerable adults or children. While Wilkinson's defense attorney, Annelise Haugstad, emphasized his previous good character, the court determined that the severity of his actions warranted a significant punishment.