Teen who recorded her own ‘sickening’ rape praised for helping convict attacker

An 18-year-old girl who recorded her own ‘sickening’ rape has been praised for helping to convict the attacker.

Dennis McGowan, 38, was found guilty of rape at Northampton Crown Court on Friday following a five-day trial.

He had met his victim in the early hours of 2 August, 2019, when she was taken back to his home in Billing Brook, Northamptonshire, by several unknown men.

There, she was plied with drinks before being raped by McGowan and the other men.

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During the proceedings, the jury heard a harrowing hour-long recording made by the victim during her ordeal, during which she was heard to say "no" clearly and was crying.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Andrea Taylor, of Northamptonshire Police’s SOLAR sexual offences investigation team, said: “I am so pleased that McGowan has been convicted for this sickening attack, where he took advantage of his victim’s vulnerability then proceeded to lie about what happened, putting her through the further ordeal of a trial.

“I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and tenacity of the woman he attacked, she has been through a horrible experience but has been courageous and determined in seeing this case through to its conclusion.

“McGowan has been shown to be a vile and dangerous sexual predator and I hope that his sentence reflects the severity of his offending.”

A second man on trial alongside McGowan in connection with the incident was found not guilty of charges of rape and conspiracy to rape.

Two other men who were at the property at the time have never been identified.

McGowan, of Northampton, will return to court for sentence on 27 July.