Man abuses sleeping woman in holiday park in North Yorkshire

A man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a young woman while she slept at a holiday park on the North Yorkshire coast.

Raymond Hanks, 24, from Bridlington in East Yorkshire, was found guilty of three counts of sexual contact with a woman over the age of 16 in a trial at York Crown Court in June.

The incident occurred several years ago when Hanks and the victim were working at the holiday park.

Hanks was acquitted of two other charges – attempted rape and rape – against the same victim and another young woman who said she had been raped by him in her sleep in staff quarters the previous week.

On Thursday (18 July) he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, at York Crown Court.

Hanks was also given a ten-year restraining order against the victim and was placed on the sex offender registry for ten years.

Doug Stanway, special investigator for the police force, said: “There are no winners in this case as the investigation and subsequent trial have impacted the lives of many young people.

“The victim felt attracted to work at the holiday park from the beginning of his professional life and was looking for a better future for himself on the east coast.

“That dream was shattered about six weeks later when she was raped by Raymond Hanks. She then quit her job and returned home.

“She showed great fortitude by testifying live in court in the presence of her attacker.

“I hope she can start to rebuild her life. I wish her all the best for the future.”

To report a sexual offence, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 option 4 and speak to the incident room. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, always dial 999 in an emergency.

Anyone concerned about their child can call the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of recent sexual abuse can also call the Helpline for support.

Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is available for victims who do not wish to go directly to the police and are not in immediate danger. Contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected] or visit www.bridgehousesarc.org/

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