Pictures have been released of a vile rapist and his girlfriend who washed his clothes in an attempt to remove evidence of the crime.
Aaron Davison, 31, climbed into bed with his victim in a Northumberland home in July 2020. He then sexually assaulted the girl before raping her.
An investigation by 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.
The victim informed her family of what had happened and they informed Northumbria Police who immediately arrested Davison – who denied the allegations.
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.
Aaron Davison (pictured), 31, climbed into bed with his victim in a Northumberland home in July 2020. He then sexually assaulted the girl before raping her
An investigation by police revealed that his partner at the time, Sarah Pringle (pictured), 29, had washed Davison’s clothing in a bid to stop him being prosecuted and remove any evidence
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.’