An East Yorkshire couple who pinned down their friend and raped her '"for their own sexual gratification" have been sentenced to 13 years and six months behind bars.
Humberside Police said Anthony Preston, 22, and Nicole Rickatson, 27, "took advantage" of the woman's trust when they assaulted her in December 2023.
The pair, of Allendale, Hull, were convicted of rape at Hull Crown Court and Preston was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice.
He was sent to prison for seven years and six months, while Rickatson was given a six-year term.
Anthony Preston was sent to prison for seven years and six months
HUMBERSIDE POLICE
Following the attack, Preston tried to remove evidence from a bedroom, but it was later recovered by officers.
Detective Constable Thomas Birkenhead from Humberside Police's Protecting Vulnerable People Unit led the investigation.
He said: “In December 2023, the woman visited Rickatson and Preston as a known friend to the couple.
“Taking advantage of her trust, both Rickatson and Preston saw this as an opportunity to pin the woman down, assault, and rape her all for their own sexual gratification.
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Nicole Rickatson was given a six-year term
HUMBERSIDE POLICE
“In an attempt to cover up their act, Preston then proceeded to remove evidence from the bedroom which was later recovered by officers.
“They then refused to admit their crimes and made the woman relive the ordeal all over again by subjecting her to a trial where they were found guilty on Tuesday 4 February 2025.
“I’d like to commend the woman for her bravery and strength in coming forward and reporting both Rickatson and Preston.
"Whilst the verdict does not take away the continued trauma she must endure, I hope it brings her some form of comfort knowing that they are now behind bars for their incomprehensible crime and can no longer harm anyone else."
The force added that it takes all reports of crimes of this nature seriously and urge anyone who has been a victim of rape to speak to someone they trust and report it to the police.
Victims can call 101 to make a report or call 999 in an emergency.
