Whitby: Justice secured for courageous rape victim

Luke David Wilson, 31, from Whitby, has been jailed for five years and 10 months for raping a woman in Whitby.

He pleaded guilty to the offence just before a three-day trial was about to start at York Crown Court on Tuesday (1 July 2025).

Wilson also admitted sexual assault by penetration on the victim, who was aged in her late 20s when it occurred at an address in Whitby between 5.20am and 6.20am on Saturday 8 July 2023.

He was remanded into custody ahead of the sentencing today (Wednesday 2 July) as he had breached both police and court bail.

Wilson carried out a prolonged sexual attack on the victim despite her repeated shouts of “no” to Wilson – she had only consented to a cuddle following a night out in the town.  

When interviewed by detectives, Wilson stated they had consensual sex. He maintained this position right up until the start of the trial on Tuesday when he changed his pleas to guilty.

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

Detective Constable Charlotte White, of the Scarborough and Ryedale Safeguarding Investigation Team, said: “The victim in this case has shown nothing but courage and determination throughout. I thank her for her bravery and patience while the investigation has been ongoing.

“The victim had the strength to make a report to the police and the outcome at court is a testament to her strength. She has ensured that a serious sexual offender has been taken off the streets.” 

DC White added: “As for Wilson, he has not shown a shred of remorse to the victim or for his dreadful actions.

“It is clear he had no understanding of the seriousness of the investigation and the offences for which he has now pleaded guilty to.

“He waited until the first day of trial to enter his guilty pleas, further prolonging the stress and anxiety for the victim. 

“We will continue to strive to apprehend those who cause violence against women and girls, and I hope this case shows that action will be taken against such offenders and victims will be listened to and fully supported.”

As well as the custodial sentence, Wilson has also been placed on the Register of Sex Offenders for the rest of his life.

Victim Personal Statement

The following are extracts from the Victim Personal Statement read out in full at the sentencing hearing:

“I contemplated suicide more than once and I went to my GP for help. I didn’t know where to go, or what to do, and I felt like a burden to everyone around me. I went from being a trusting, outgoing and independent person to being a shell of myself and I was just going through the motions of day-to-day life.”

“I can no longer trust men, whether that be in a relationship or family members, and I have found myself resentful towards males. I got into a relationship a long time after what happened, and it was awful. I realised that I couldn’t sleep anymore as I didn’t feel safe, so I ended the relationship, and I think that I will be alone for the rest of my life. The thought of even trying to give my trust to anyone makes me feel sick.”

“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 make me feel sick to my stomach.”

“I hope that one day I can move on, however it has now been two years, and I still have 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. I always saw the best in everyone, and now I see the worst.”

Reporting rape and sexual abuse and seeking professional support

• Make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or call 101and speak to the Force Control Room.
• If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.
• IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) is an independent charity that supports victims of sexual violence and abuse regardless of whether you have reported it to the police.  Sexual Violence Help and Advice
• Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) by going to www.acerhousesarc.co.uk or by calling 0330 223 0362
• You can also contact the Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.