Man found guilty of rape in Chester

A man has been found guilty of raping a girl at an address in Chester.

William Studley, of Huxley Lane, Chester, appeared at Chester Crown Court today, Wednesday 6 December, where he was found guilty of rape.

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

He was also found not guilty of a second count of rape.

The court heard during the trial 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 today (Wednesday 6 December).

He is due to appear at Chester Crown Court on Friday 9 February where he is to be sentenced.

Detective Sergeant Courtney Day said:

“Studley believed that he was above the law and thought that he could do whatever he wanted.

“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.”

Cheshire Police takes all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously. We have specialist officers who provide support to victims and work with services dedicated to giving victims the help and advice they need.

If you have been a victim of a 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/

Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on:

0800 555 111