Man convicted of rape and sexual assault – West Oxfordshire

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been convicted of three offences including rape in a village in West Oxfordshire.

Joseph Faulkner, aged 39, formerly of Park Close, North Leigh, was found guilty on Wednesday (17/5) by majority verdict of a count each of rape of a woman over the age of 16, assault of a female over 13 by penetration and sexual assault on a female after a trial at Oxford Crown Court.

The offences occurred overnight between 29 and 30 March 2019 when, having introduced himself to the victim during an evening out, Faulkner followed her to a private accommodation.

When other residents went to sleep, Faulkner continued to engage with the victim in the living room of the accommodation.

The victim insisted she was not interested in Faulkner’s advances, but he continued to kiss her and sexually assaulted including by digitally penetrating her.

The victim passed out and when she awoke, she found Faulkner on top of her raping her.

Faulkner was arrested on 31 March 2019 and following a lengthy and thorough investigation, he was charged on 14 April last year.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Darren Pomroy said: “I am very pleased with this result for the victim, who showed tremendous courage and maintained a consistent account throughout the course of this investigation.

“I hope these verdicts will allow the victim to move on with the next chapter of her life.

“The evidence in this case was that of consciousness of the victim, who was unable to freely give consent to any of the assaults.

“Even before she lost consciousness, she had made it very clear that she did not want Faulkner’s sexual advances.

“Clearly, it is not possible to consent to any activity while asleep, and Faulkner used this to his advantage to attack his victim.

“He will doubtless pay a heavy price for his actions, and this is an important reminder to anybody who feels it is acceptable to behave in this manner that it is not, in any circumstances.”

Faulkner is due to return to Oxford Crown Court to be sentenced on 28 June.

KB