WHITBY MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT LEAVING VICTIM 'A SHELL OF HERSELF'

Luke David Wilson, aged 31 and resident of Harrowing Court in Whitby, has been convicted of a prolonged sexual attack on a woman in her late 20s after a night out in Whitby on 8 July 2023. The York Crown Court heard that Wilson subjected the woman to a rape and assault by penetration. Wilson pleaded guilty to these charges just before a three-day trial commenced and was sentenced to five years and ten months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register for life. The victim described the attack as leaving her 'a shell of myself,' stating that Wilson had stolen a part of her she would never recover. She detailed how the assault has left her feeling suicidal, unable to trust men, and she now struggles with nightmares and panic attacks. She expressed that she misses her old self and her trust in people, feeling isolated and with a diminished confidence to even hug her mother. The court was told that Wilson initially claimed the encounter was consensual, maintaining that stance up until the trial started, despite evidence of her repeated protests with shouts of 'no.' Investigations revealed Wilson's denial of memory of the incident and his lack of remorse. The court acknowledged her bravery in providing the victim statement. Wilson’s actions and attitude have been described as without remorse, and authorities highlighted the seriousness of his offenses.