ROBERTO WILKINSON SENTENCED IN NEWCASTLE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 'BLIND DRUNK' WOMAN

ROBERTO WILKINSON SENTENCED IN NEWCASTLE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 'BLIND DRUNK' WOMAN

A 22-year-old army cadet instructor from Newcastle, Robert Wilkinson, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of raping and sexually assaulting a completely intoxicated woman.

The court heard that Wilkinson took advantage of the victim when she was so drunk she had vomited.

Prosecutors described her as having become aware that her clothing had been removed and that she was being assaulted.

Despite denying the charges initially, Wilkinson was found guilty by a Newcastle Crown Court jury.

Judge Penny Moreland sentenced Wilkinson, stating: "She was extremely drunk, she was vomiting.

She was blind drunk.

That's the state of the girl you sexually assaulted and raped.

She was particularly vulnerable." The judge also noted that Wilkinson had boasted about his actions to a friend via text message on his way home.

During police questioning, Wilkinson initially denied any sexual activity took place.

However, once presented with scientific evidence, he changed his story, claiming the encounter was consensual—an account rejected by the jurors.

In addition to his prison term, Wilkinson will be placed on the sex offenders register for life and is prohibited from working with vulnerable adults or children.

His defense, represented by Annelise Haugstad, emphasized that he was of previous good character.