By Grâçia Ada Obi
A man who raped a woman after she had fallen asleep in her own home has been jailed. Adam Walton, 36, denied a charge of rape, but was found guilty by a jury on a majority verdict and has now been locked up for seven years, police said.
United Kingdom’s Greater Manchester Police said analysis of Walton’s mobile phone messages showed he was ordering cocaine and viagra on the night of the rape.
The victim, said police, woke up to find him pinning her down and raping her. She is said to have confronted him and he fled. A police investigation was launched after the woman told her family what had happened and Walton, from Bolton, was arrested.
Detective Constable Anna Skelton, from Bolton CID, said: “Walton forced himself on a woman who was asleep and could not give consent. This comes as a reminder to everyone to respect personal boundaries and consent. Anyone who has been a victim of, or knows about, a similar incident should come forward and trust that we will listen to you.”
The woman, said police, had been out with friends in Bolton having lunch on October 27. When they had finished, she went back to her house with her friends and Walton to make Halloween decorations.
“The victim fell asleep, but when she woke up, Walton was pinning her down and raping her,” said GMP in a statement. “Startled by the victim waking up and confronting him he quickly left, and the victim called her friend, and then her dad, who swiftly called the police.
“An investigation was launched and following a download of Walton’s phone, messages revealed he was ordering cocaine and viagra on the night of the rape. When questioned by detectives, he showed no remorse and continuously tried to make excuses for his abhorrent behaviour.”
Det Con Skelton added: “We know that coming forward to report sexual offences can be difficult, but no one should ever feel alone in such circumstances, and we will do all we can to provide you with the necessary support and help to get justice.”
“We have a team of dedicated officers and staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”
