Nathan Ashton, 37, an ex-Premier League player who played for both Fulham and Charlton Athletic during his career, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for raping a woman in her sleep.
The sex attack took place in February 2023 after Ashton and the woman attended a bar in Shoreditch with friends.
The woman and her two friends left the bar and accepted a ride home from him.
Upon arriving at the flat in Romford, Ashton chose to stay with the three women, who all went to bed in separate rooms.
Shortly thereafter, the victim woke to find Ashton on top of her.
She immediately reported the attack to the Metropolitan Police and told officers that Ashton had been touching her inappropriately throughout the night, leaving her feeling "guarded and vulnerable."
Ashton was brought for questioning to a local police station and denied the claims of rape, maintaining that the sex was consensual.
However, a jury found otherwise.
At his trial on Tuesday, the victim explained to Reading Crown Court that Ashton carried on his attack as she begged repeatedly for him to stop, according to the Mirror.
A second woman, who was allegedly raped by the former athlete eight years prior in 2015, was also in court on Tuesday to deliver a victim impact statement.
"Because of what he chose to do to me, I have feared men ever since-and always will. The feelings I hold for him are disgust and hatred. I think he is a vile human being."
The second woman revealed how she now suffers from panic attacks.
At his sentencing hearing, Judge Mathew Turner addressed Ashton.
"You used your physical strength to do what you wanted, with no empathy or compassion for your victims. You are manipulative and focused on yourself and your own sexual satisfaction," Turner said.
Detective Sergeant Ben Wallen, who led the investigation reacted, "Our officers were meticulous in their investigation against Ashton and secured a great outcome as a result."
