Reuben Wilson 54

Description

An opportunistic sexual predator raped a sleeping woman slumped on the floor of a house after a night of drinking, cutting open her knickers while she was unconscious.

Reuben Wilson, 54, of Minster Avenue, Beverley, was convicted of rape by a 10-2 majority jury verdict at Grimsby Crown Court after five hours of deliberations. He denied the charge and an alternative of sexual assault.

Prosecutor Simon Reevell said the woman had been out with her boyfriend, met relatives, then joined three others—including Wilson—at a pub before going to a house for more drinks. She fell asleep on the floor and awoke under a duvet with Wilson; her tights were ripped and knickers cut open.

Police found Wilson asleep and drunk under the duvet. Forensic evidence included the woman's internal bodily fluid on the inside of his boxer shorts (exact source undetermined) and fibres on scissors matching her underwear, with Wilson's DNA on the handle.

In police interviews, Wilson initially made no comment but later claimed blackouts erased his memory. He declined to testify, but defense barrister Julia Baggs said he alleged someone else committed the rape, citing his health issues and the woman's lack of recall.

Judge Gurdial Singh ordered a dangerousness assessment and remanded Wilson in custody, warning: "You are looking at a substantial prison term." Thanking the jury, he said: "Without you, we could not do our job. Thank you for your time, effort and patience."

To the victim in court, he added: "He attacked you. Don't think for a moment you should have done anything different. Do not reproach yourself. It is him. He is looking at a sentence in years."

Wilson, on bail before trial, failed to appear on November 24, leading to his arrest and remand. Sentencing is set for next year.