Photos of Rape Shared on WhatsApp, Court Hears

Two men were filmed raping an unconscious woman and went on to share images of the victim on WhatsApp, a court has heard.

Jesse Burgoine, 28, and Artjom Nepryahin, 26, are accused of targeting the then 23-year-old victim after meeting her in a Nottingham city centre nightclub in December 2014.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that two video clips of sexual activity with the woman were taken as she lay asleep on a sofa. A photo of the two men, smiling, with the victim unconscious behind them was then posted to a WhatsApp group including seven or more other men.

Opening the case, prosecutor Simon Ash said the pair saw the victim as an "object to be used for their sexual gratification." He continued:

"You can see she was unconscious. Arms hanging limply, hair hangs to one side, eyes closed, she doesn't move at any stage during the video.

"She was not fully conscious, and she felt scared. She did not have the strength or control… to stop what was happening."

Mr Ash said that in interview both men claimed the sexual encounter was consensual and denied that the woman had passed out.

The trial, which is expected to last two weeks, continues.

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The Johnson Partnership

Crime Solicitors