Newcastle man sentenced for rape of unconscious woman

A Newcastle man who recorded himself raping an unconscious woman two decades ago has been sentenced today at Newcastle Crown Court. 

Alan Spraggon (58), of Michaelgate, Byker was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment after being found guilty at an earlier trial of the rape of the woman. The charge was brought against him after police unearthed the recording during an unrelated search of his home.

Investigating officers were subsequently able to trace Spraggon’s victim, who was shocked to learn that the attack had taken place.

Debbie Breen of CPS North East said: “It was only by chance that officers discovered the footage of this non-recent rape during a search of Spraggon’s home. 

“It was clear from the footage that his victim had taken no active part in this sexual act and, when interviewed by police, she had been wholly unaware that Spraggon had even committed the attack or filmed it.

“Clearly, this has been particularly distressing for the victim who, at the time, did not possess the capacity to give informed consent to the act Spraggon perpetrated against her.

“We have worked closely with police to build a robust case against Alan Spraggon and we sincerely hope that his sentence today provides some measure of comfort to his victim.”