Rapist left me a shell of myself, says victim

Luke Wilson was jailed at York Crown Court on Wednesday

A woman who was raped after a night out in Whitby said the attack had left her "a shell of myself".

Luke David Wilson subjected the woman, who was in her late 20s, to a prolonged sexual attack on 8 July 2023, York Crown Court heard.

Wilson, 31, of Harrowing Court in Whitby, pleaded guilty to rape and assault by penetration just before the start of a three-day trial and was jailed for five years and 10 months.

In a victim impact statement read to the court during Wednesday's hearing, the woman said: "Luke stole a part of me that I will never get back."

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Wilson was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.

According to North Yorkshire Police, Wilson attacked the victim, who had only consented to a cuddle, despite her repeated shouts of "no".

When interviewed by detectives, Wilson claimed they had had consensual sex, a position he maintained right up until the start of the trial on Tuesday.

He also changed his account entirely regarding the events that morning, stating that he had no recollection of what had happened.

'I miss the old me'

In a statement read to the court, the victim said the attack had left her suicidal and "a shell of myself".

She said she found she could no longer trust men and was unable to maintain a romantic relationship.

"I think that I will be alone for the rest of my life," the statement said.

"Luke stole a part of me that I will never get back and has made me lose my confidence and ability to trust - I can't even hug my own mother anymore as any affection makes me feel sick to my stomach."

She said despite the passage of time, she still struggled with nightmares and panic attacks "nearly every night".

"I miss the old me and how loveable I was, and how much trust I had in people," it said.

"I always saw the best in everyone, and now I see the worst."

Det Con Charlotte White, of the Scarborough and Ryedale Safeguarding Investigation Team, praised the woman for her courage and determination.

"I thank her for her bravery and patience while the investigation has been ongoing," she said.

Det Con White said Wilson did not show "a shred of remorse", adding: "It is clear he had no understanding of the seriousness of the investigation and the offences for which he has now pleaded guilty to."

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