Two Men Sentenced for Simultaneous Rape in Horrific Attack
Two friends have been imprisoned for a total of 22 years after they carried out a "dehumanising" attack where they raped a young woman at the same time. Taylor Dove and Vieri Chapman were convicted following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court for what the judge described as a "vile" violation of their victim.
Details of the Attack and Sentencing
The court heard that the assault occurred after the woman rebuffed suggestions of a threesome. Judge Julie Clemitson, during sentencing, stated: "That victim was violated in the most vile way by two men at the same time. She was shocked by what was happening to her. No wonder she was incapable of pushing you off or expressing verbally her lack of consent... Had you bothered to look at her, you would have noticed she was crying."
Dove, 22, of Balmoral Terrace, Sunderland, received a 12-year prison sentence. Chapman, 25, of Wansbeck Road, Gosforth, Newcastle, was jailed for 10 years. Both men must also sign the sex offenders register for life and were given restraining orders. Dove was on bail for raping another teenager at the time of this attack and was also convicted for that separate offence.
Victim Impact Statements
The victim provided a powerful statement to the court, saying: "That night they dehumanised me and gave no regard to how I felt. I can't do justice to how it made me feel and how it continues to make me feel. This has had a huge impact on my personal life and relationships." She added that she struggles to discuss the incident because it makes the trauma feel more real.
In a separate case, Dove was found guilty of raping another victim while she was asleep. That victim stated: "Taylor Dove has destroyed my life. I only found the strength to report what he had done due to the fear he would do the same to someone else. I now have severe anxiety and depression and I get flashbacks to what he did."
Defence Arguments and Aftermath
Jamie Adams, representing Dove, claimed his client is "in denial about his guilt" and that "people around him think so highly of him." Adams argued: "He knows he has let everyone down by doing those awful acts... There's a good person inside here."
Laura Miller, for Chapman, mentioned he has autism and had a modelling contract and DJ career, which he will now be unable to resume due to the conviction. The judge noted that Dove bragged about his exploits to a friend after the attack, while the victim was left bleeding and distraught.
Judge Clemitson concluded: "This was truly an ordeal for her which left her bleeding and distraught. You, Taylor Dove, were determined you were going to have the sexual experience with her that night and didn't much care whether she consented or not." The case highlights severe consequences for sexual violence and the lasting trauma inflicted on survivors.
