Teenager sentenced for rape near Chester

A teenager has been jailed after he was found guilty of raping a girl at an address in Huxley.

William Studley, of Huxley Lane, Huxley, near Chester, appeared at Chester Crown Court today, Friday 9 February, where he was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.

He was also handed a 15 year restraining order and will be on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Studley had previously been found guilty of rape at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 6 December; he was also found not guilty of a second count of rape.

The 19-year-old had pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of making indecent images of children in relation to the same victim at an earlier hearing.

During the trial, the court heard how the victim attended a party in Frodsham with her friend on Saturday 23 April 2022.
The pair had arranged to stay at Studley’s address once the party had ended.

Shortly after arriving at his address, the victim began to feel unwell and fell asleep in an upstairs bedroom alone, she awoke to find Studley raping her.

The victim told him to stop, and he ran out of the room.

Studley then returned to the victim’s room soon after and sexually assaulted her.

The next day, the victim reported the incident to Cheshire Constabulary who launched an investigation, leading to Studley’s arrest.

Following his arrest, officers discovered video footage on Studley’s phone which showed him sexually assaulting the victim while she slept.

After being shown the footage, Studley pleaded guilty to the charges of sexual assault and making indecent images of children.

However, he denied raping the victim.

Despite his denial, Studley was convicted of one count of rape following a three-day trial at Chester Crown Court which concluded on Wednesday 6 December.

Detective Sergeant Courtney Day said:

“Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been through, and I hope that the sentence handed to Studley will provide the victim with some closure.

“He sexually assaulted and raped the victim while she slept, even going as far as to film much of the attack for his own sexual gratification.

“Studley initially denied all offences put to him, claiming that the victim had consented, but was left with no option but to plead guilty when footage of the assault was recovered from his phone.

“However, despite the evidence gathered, he continued to deny the full extent of what he subjected the victim to that night.

“What Studley put the victim through is truly horrifying but thanks to courage the victim has shown, he is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide the victim with some closure and help her recover from what she has been through.”

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20 .

In an emergency always call 999. Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.