Man jailed for four years following attempted rape of teenager

A man who tried to rape a teenager as she slept in her home has been jailed for four years.

In October 2020, the girl awoke to find Aiden Battye on her bed, pulling her underwear down and attempting to rape her.

Battye, who was 17 at the time of the offence, was ordered to leave after the girl told her family what had happened.

An investigation was launched by officers from Darlington Safeguarding Team, and Battye, who is now 21, was charged with attempted rape.

He was also charged with a second count of sexual assault in relation to a separate incident involving another teenage girl.

He denied both charges but was found guilty of attempted rape following a week-long trial at Durham Crown Court in October.

A jury found him not guilty of the sexual assault.

In a victim impact statement, the attempted rape survivor said: “I feel my life changed when Aiden tried to rape me – I am a different person and not in a good way.

“There has not been a day where I don’t have thoughts about what happened to me, and this has caused me to feel depressed and experience suicidal thoughts.

“Other changes in my personality are an inability to focus, probably because I cannot get these events out of my head. A physical effect is that every day since the attack I have showered for up to an hour a day – I scrub myself to the point of making my skin raw. I know it’s not about being clean, I just want to scrub the memory of it off my skin.

“I have struggled with my own guilt; I had thoughts that it was my fault. Him being found guilty has helped me to believe that other than my immediate family, there are people – in this case, the jury – who also believe me.” 

Today, Battye, of Darlington, appeared at Teesside Crown Court where he was jailed for four years and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order.

Investigative Officer John Smith, who led the investigation, said: “The girl in this case was attacked as she slept at home in her bed, where she should have been able to feel safe.

“She has shown great courage by coming forward and telling someone what had happened to her. 

“Thanks to her bravery, Battye is now in prison where he can no longer pose any danger to any other woman or girl.”

He added: “If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, please tell us – you will be listened to, and we will believe you.

“We know it can be difficult, but we have specially trained officers who will support you every step of the way.”

To report a rape or sexual assault, call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help.

The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit www.sarcdurham.co.uk

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7 and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk