A man from Carlton who raped a 19-year-old woman has been jailed for eight years and made subject of a lifetime restraining order.
Paul Warrington, 24, of Conway Crescent was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court today after pleading guilty to rape on March 10, 2020.
The incident took place on Saturday, December 7, 2019 when police were called to a report of a serious sexual assault in woodland off Carlton Road, Thorneywood.
Detectives investigating the report found the woman to be wearing a jacket containing a car key – both of which did not belong to her.
Extensive and tenacious investigative work from Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection Unit led to the identification of Warrington through the key. He was then questioned by officers in connection with the incident.
Warrington’s DNA matched samples that were recovered from the scene and Warrington was subsequently charged with rape.
Detective Inspector Pamela Dowson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This incident was a violent, predatory act and the victim sustained injuries as part of the assault. Warrington did not know the victim and overpowered her when she was in a vulnerable position.
“The victim was lost in the city centre and he clearly identified this as way to exploit her before carrying out this despicable act.
“It is sickening to think that someone would do this to another person and I am pleased that good police work allowed us to achieve a conviction.
“Rape and sexual assaults are horrific attacks that have a lasting impact on victims and survivors, it is unimaginable what she went through and while today’s result does not change what happened, justice has been served.
“Stranger rapes are rare and complex investigations and I’d like to praise the victim’s bravery throughout this investigation and subsequent legal proceedings and I hope that today’s result provides some closure for her.
“I’d also like to commend the hard work of our teams to deliver this result. Our detectives worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend Warrington and their efforts clearly paid off.”
There are many different ways you can report a sexual violence offence to the Police. We understand it can be difficult. You might not be completely sure what happened or how to talk about it. The Police understand this and have Specially Trained Officers (STO’s) who specialise in helping people to report sexual offences.
You can contact Nottinghamshire Police in a number of ways:
· Call 999 (emergency number) this should only be used if the suspect is still present, or nearby, or returning to where survivor is located.
· Call 101 (non-emergency number)
· Visit a Police Station
· Online crime reporting service
Nottinghamshire Police is proud to be a member of the Consent Coalition. The Consent Coalition is made up of many organisations, including specialist sexual violence sector organisations, statutory services and universities. They stand together to say that Nottingham does not tolerate any form of sexual violence and they hope you will too.