Couple found guilty of pinning woman down and raping her in Hull

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 11th February 2025, at 05:10hrs

They both put their victim through the trauma of having to relive her ordeal by going not guilty

A couple who pinned a woman down and raped her have been found guilty after a jury returned a unanimous verdict following the conclusion of a 10-day trial at Hull Crown Court on Tuesday 4 February.

Anthony Preston, 22-years-old, of Allendale, in Hull has been found guilty of rape and perverting the course of justice.

Nicole Rickatson, 27-years-old, of Allendale in Hull has been found guilty of rape.

They have both been remanded into custody to appear at Hull Crown Court for sentencing on Monday 17 March.

Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Thomas Birkenhead from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, who said:

“On Friday 8 December 2023, the woman visited Rickaston and Preston in their home.

“Both Rickatson and Preston took advantage her trust, seeing this as an opportunity to pin her down, assault, and rape her all for their own sexual gratification.

“In an attempt to cover up their sexual deviancy, Preston then proceeded to remove evidence from the bedroom which was later recovered by officers.

“They then refused to admit their crimes and made the woman relive the ordeal all over again by subjecting her to a trial.

“I’d like to commend the woman for her bravery and strength in coming forward and reporting both Rickatson and Preston. Whilst the verdict does not take away the continued trauma she must endure, I am pleased that the couple have been held accountable for their actions.

“We take all reports of crimes of this nature seriously and would urge anyone who has been a victim of rape to speak to someone they trust and report it to the police.

“When you are ready, you can contact us on our non-emergency number 101 to report what has happened to you, whether it was on the same day, or 20 years ago, it does not matter.

“Always call 999 if you are in immediate danger. We will listen, and we will continue to seek justice for survivors of crimes of this nature.”

Our campaign Tell Someone tells the story of a sexual abuse survivor who has waive her legal right to anonymity to encourage other victims of rape and other sexual offences, including recent and non-recent sexual abuse, to come forward.