Harrogate rapist jailed for 18 years

A 27-year-old Harrogate man has been jailed after being convicted of rape for a second time.

Aaron Frederick Needham of the High Street in Starbeck was sentenced to 18 years after he was found guilty of rape following a trial in October 2023 .

He was previously convicted for rape in 2017 and sent to prison.

In July 2020, Needham was released from prison on license. He then raped another woman in February and March of 2021 after he befriended her and used alcohol to subdue her before raping her on two separate occasions.

He was sentenced at York Crown Court on Friday 23 February 2024.

 Detective Nicky Wareham from Harrogate CID commented:

“I would like to pay tribute to the victim and thank them for supporting our investigation which has now led to Needham being put back behind bars.

“We urge any victim of sexual assault or rape to please come forward, no matter when it happened, you will be listened to.

“We know it can be difficult, but we have specially trained officers who will support you. As part of our support we can put you in touch with a range of support services that can help help you.”

Reporting rape or sexual assault to North Yorkshire Police

To report a sexual assault or rape to North Yorkshire Police, please call our non-emergency number 101, or 999 in an emergency.

If you are more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here.

If you do not want to report to police, there are other agencies who are able to offer support and advice.

Other agencies who can help:

IDAS is the largest specialist charity in the north supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. You can find more information on their website www.idas.org.uk or contact them on 03000 110 110.

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s SARC, on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected] or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org

You can also contact Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.

Survive - offers specialist counselling and support to all adults across North Yorkshire who have experienced sexual trauma - the term we use to describe the long term effects of sexual violence. Find out more on their website here - Sexual abuse support services in York | Survive, York (survive-northyorks.org.uk)

Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.

For young people, Childline is available on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk

Details on how to contact North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership can be found on their website  - www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk

Details on how to contact City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership (CYSCP) can be found on their website - www.saferchildrenyork.org.uk