Anthony Preston and Nicole Rickatson, a couple convicted of raping a woman by restraining her, were found guilty after a jury delivered a unanimous decision at Hull Crown Court on Tuesday, February 4, following a 10-day trial.
Anthony Preston, 22, from Allendale, Hull, has been convicted of rape and obstructing justice.
Nicole Rickatson, 27, of Allendale near Hull, has been convicted of rape.
Anthony Preston and Nicole Rickatson have been remanded in 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 Anthony Preston and Nicole Rickatson in their home.
“Both Anthony Preston and Nicole Rickatson 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, Anthony 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 Anthony Preston and Nicole Rickatson. 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.”
UPDATE 22.05.25
A pair who restrained a lady and sexually assaulted her have received a cumulative term of 13 years and six months in prison after their appearance at Hull Crown Court last week.
Anthony Preston, 22, of Allendale Hull, was charged with rape and obstruction of justice and has been sentenced to seven years and six months in jail.
Nicole Rickatson, 27, also from Allendale in Hull, was charged with rape and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.
Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Thomas Birkenhead from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, who said: “In December 2023, the woman visited Rickatson and Preston as a known friend to the couple.
“Taking advantage of her trust, both Rickatson and Preston saw this as an opportunity to pin the woman down, assault, and rape her all for their own sexual gratification.
“In an attempt to cover up their act, 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 where they were found guilty on Tuesday 4 February 2025.
“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 hope it brings her some form of comfort knowing that they are now behind bars for their incomprehensible crime and can no longer harm anyone else.
“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.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.