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A rapist who "preyed" on a teenage girl has been jailed, with his then-girlfriend also locked up for attempting to hide the crime.

Aaron Davison, now 31, sexually assaulted and raped the girl at an address Northumberland in July 2020.

Convicted earlier this year following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Davison, of Lapwig Close, Blyth, has now been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Sarah Pringle, 29, of Fontburn, Ellington, was jailed for three years having been found guilty of perverting the course of justice.

Police said she washed Davison's clothes in an attempt to remove evidence and provided a false statement in an effort to derail the force's investigation.

The victim disclosed the attack to a family member who informed officers.

Davison was arrested but denied the crimes.

Det Con Karen Douglas said he had "preyed on a teenager in a cold and careless way, subjecting her to the worst ordeal imaginable".

"He then lied about his crimes, not worrying at all about the long-term effects this would have on her."

Davison was also ordered to sign to the sex offenders register for life.

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