By Grâçia Ada Obi
The 25-year-old Edison Northover of Willow Brook Road, Corby, and formerly of High Street, Great Easton, filmed himself raping the victim after she had passed out.
He committed the horrific act during the early hours of January 18, 2024, whilst the woman in question was unconscious.
The woman had no idea what had happened until she was shown the video by her younger sibling, and with the support of her family, reported the incident to Northamptonshire Police.
Northover was arrested, charged with rape, and subsequently remanded into custody, with officers preparing for the court proceedings in the meantime.
However, during this time, Northover made contact with the woman and attempted to dissuade her from supporting the case. He was therefore charged with another offence – perverting the course of justice.
He denied the charges against him so the victim had to endure a six-day trial at Northampton Crown Court in July. Northover was found unanimously guilty of both offences by the jury.
He was sentenced at the same court September 13 to eight years and three months in prison.
Lead investigator Detective Constable Tina Twiselton of Northamptonshire Police’s SOLAR Team said: “This has been an incredibly traumatic experience for the survivor and I am so proud of her for her bravery in attending court, in supporting our investigation, and in ensuring the man who did this to her has been convicted and jailed.
“I know this wasn’t easy by any means and it is a testament to the courage she has that she found the strength to be able to do this.
“I hope the conclusion of this case provides her with some closure and an ability to move forward onto better and brighter things.