A self-proclaimed “sex pest” and “raging pervert” has been jailed for attacking three women as they slept.
The offences did not happen at the same time, but were all when Andrew Nicholson was drugged-up or drunk, Durham Crown Court heard.
Two of his victims were unaware what of happened as they slept, while another woke during the ordeal, but Nicholson carried on the assault.
It was only as police investigating one of the assaults searched his phone that they discovered footage he filmed of himself raping another of the women.
Ian West, prosecuting, said Nicholson had at times, while drunk and drugged-up, described himself as, “a sex pest” and “a raging pervert”.
He was arrested in January this year and twice offered prepared statements to police claiming everything was consensual.
But the 30-year-old, of York Avenue in Consett, admitted two counts of rape and two of sexual assault when he appeared in court.
Mr West said in Nicholson's pre-sentence report, prepared by the Probation Service, there was an element of him, “minimising” some of his behaviour.
Impact and interview statements were read to the court, in one case by the victim herself.
One spoke of the effect on her mental health and the court was told she has self-harmed and contemplated taking her life.
Another described the defendant as, “a predator” and “manipulative.”
Sue Hirst, for Nicholson, said he was, “of effective good character”, previously.
“In one respect it seems surprising he’s before the court for these offences," she said.
“He’s regarded as a kind, caring man and all speak well of him."
But Mr West said: “That may be a strange way to describe someone who has raped or sexually assaulted three sleeping women.”
Miss Hirst said the defendant began using drugs and alcohol after a break-up.
“He has experimented in using drugs as a teenager and became more dependant after the breakdown of the relationship and during various lockdowns.
“He’s an intelligent man and does have an insight into what he has done.
“Now he’s sober and with many months to reflect on the enormity of his actions, while in custody, he is remorseful.”
She said the defendant left school with qualifications and has worked as a transport manager for three different companies, having gained further qualifications in international haulage.
Miss Hirst said he is thinking of undertaking an Open University degree course while in custody.
Miss Hirst said his arrest and time spent in custody has been, “something of a shock to him”.
Read more:
- Victim woke to find man raping her on sofa of County Durham home
- Peterlee man raped sleeping woman sunbathing in her garden
- Woman took her own life after South Shields man raped her
Judge Nathan Adams said it was “concerning” the Nicholson believed he could behave as he did with his victims and “disturbing” that it was when all were sleeping.
He imposed prison sentences totalling 14 years. Nicholson will have to serve two-thirds behind before being released on licence.
He was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and restraining orders relating to all three women, both for 15 years. It means he must tell any sexual partner of his convictions. He will also have to register as a sex offender for life.
Share