Sexual Predator Jailed for Raping Sleeping Victim

A sexual predator who raped his sleeping victim has been jailed.

Joshua Robson, 23, raped his victim in October 2018 while she slept. When she woke up in pain, he pretended to be asleep.

The 20-year-old victim bravely reported the incident to police immediately, and an investigation was launched by Northumbria Police's Safeguarding unit.

Robson denied the allegation, but a jury at Newcastle Crown Court saw through his lies and found him guilty of one count of rape on Friday, July 31. He was sentenced to five and a half years at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, August 27.

Detective Constable Catherine Burns, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of the victim and hopes it will give other victims the courage to report.

"I really commend the bravery of the victim as she has been so strong throughout this investigation," said Det Con Burns. "Robson took advantage of a situation for his own sexual gratification and has shown no remorse for what he has done. Now he faces the consequences of his actions."

"I hope this sends a strong message that any sexual contact that is not consensual is a crime. No one should be subjected to something they do not consent to, and if you have been a victim of such an attack, I would urge you to come forward to police. "I know this conviction will give the victim a sense of justice and hope she can begin to heal after suffering significantly as a result of this attack," said Det Con Burns.

Robson, of Esher Place, Cramlington, will now also have to sign the sex offenders' register for life.