At Hull Crown Court on Tuesday, 4 February, a jury delivered a unanimous verdict convicting a couple of a horrific rape
Anthony Preston, 22, and Nicole Rickatson, 27, both from Allendale, Hull, were found guilty of rape and perverting the course of justice. Their criminal actions unfolded in December 2023 when the victim visited their home, a location that quickly transformed into a scene of unimaginable trauma.
Detailed Criminal Investigation
Detective Constable Thomas Birkenhead from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit provided crucial insights into the sexual assault conviction. "Both Rickatson and Preston exploited the victim’s trust, pinning her down and committing a brutal sexual assault for their own gratification," he stated.
Evidence and Legal Proceedings
The investigation revealed multiple layers of criminal behaviour:
- Preston attempted to remove evidence from the crime scene
- The couple denied their actions, forcing the victim to relive her traumatic experience
- Forensic evidence was crucial in securing the conviction
Support for Survivors
The police accentuated that victims can report crimes:
- Non-emergency number: 101
- Immediate danger: 999
- Reporting is possible regardless of when the assault occurred
Legal Consequences
Both Preston and Rickatson have been remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for Monday, 17 March at Hull Crown Court.
External Resources:
- Rape Crisis Support
- Victim Support
- NHS Sexual Assault Support
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