A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years and two months in prison for raping a woman while she was asleep. Joshua Downing, of Barton Court, Mansfield, admitted rape and three counts of sexual assault at Derby Crown Court.
The offence took place in Derby in 2024, Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed. The victim only realised what had happened when she woke the next morning and noticed she was in pain. She experienced flashbacks of Downing raping her as she drifted in and out of sleep.
Victim's Trauma
Detective Constable Ellen Sanders, the officer in the case, said: "The victim has been deeply traumatised by Downing’s actions and has struggled to function normally since the rape happened almost two years ago. It has been a long road for her, and I want to thank her for her courage during our investigation and the court process."
Sentencing
Downing was sentenced on March 15. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely. The court heard that the victim's bravery throughout the proceedings was commendable.
DC Sanders added: "While it can’t take away the emotional anguish, I hope that seeing Downing sentenced and held accountable for his offences will allow her the strength to move forward."
