Northumberland rapist jailed with girlfriend who covered up heinous crime

A Northumberland man who raped a girl has been sentenced to 12 years in prison; his girlfriend, who tried to cover up his crime, is also behind bars.

Aaron Davison, 31, ambushed his victim in a house in Northumberland in the early hours of July 2020. He got into bed with the girl, sexually abused her and then raped her.

The victim bravely told a family member what had happened, who then informed the police. Davison was immediately arrested but denied the charges against him.

An investigation by Northumbria Police found that his then partner, Sarah Pringle, 29, had washed Davison’s clothes to prevent prosecution and to remove any evidence. She had also made a false statement to officers in an attempt to confuse police.

Following a complex and lengthy investigation led by the Police Security Division, Davison was charged with three counts of rape, sexual assault and penetrative assault of a woman in May 2023. Pringle was also charged with perverting the course of justice in May 2023.

The pair appeared before Newcastle Crown Court in May this year, where both were found guilty on all counts. On Monday, Davison, of Lapwing Close, Blyth, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at the same court.

Pringle, of Fontburn, Ellington, was sentenced to three years in prison and Davison was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable Karen Douglas, of Northumbria Police’s Security Branch, led the investigation and welcomed the verdict. She said: “Davison callously and ruthlessly abused a young girl and subjected her to the worst ordeal imaginable.”

“Then he lied about his crimes without the slightest thought for the long-term impact this would have on them. He is undoubtedly a danger to our society.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to commend them for their bravery. I know it is never easy to come forward, but their courage and composure during the investigation mean that he has been exposed for what he is – a rapist.”

DC Douglas added: “No one should ever have to suffer such an assault. Our officers, charities and the support services we work with every day are there to offer support. No matter who you are, if you have ever been a victim of rape or any other type of sexual assault, we are here for you.”

Northumbria Police advises anyone wishing to make a report of rape or sexual assault to visit their website for more information.