A Northumberland man who raped a girl has been jailed for 12 years, while his girlfriend who attempted to cover up his offending is also behind bars.
Aaron Davison, 31, targeted his victim during the early hours of the morning at a home in Northumberland in July 2020. He climbed into bed with the girl before sexually assaulting her and then raping her.
The victim bravely told a family member what had happened, who then informed police. Davison was immediately arrested but denied the allegations put before him.
- Read more: Newcastle man, 19, and Cramlington man, 20, locked up for eight and a half years for raping woman
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An investigation by Northumbria Police 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 force's Safeguarding Department, Davison was charged with three offences of rape, sexual assault, and assault on a female by penetration in May 2023. Pringle 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. At the same court on Monday, Davison, of Lapwing Close, Blyth, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Pringle, of Fontburn, Ellington, was sentenced to three years imprisonment. Davison was also made to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Constable Karen Douglas of Northumbria Police's safeguarding department, led the investigation and welcomed the sentence. 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'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."
DC Douglas added: "No-one should ever have to endure this type of assault and support is available from our officers, charities, and the support services we work with day-in-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."
Northumbria Police advised anyone wishing to disclose a report of rape or sexual assault to visit their website for more information.
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