A former soldier has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of rape and sexual assault in the Midlands town of Nuneaton.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
Daniel Black, aged 37 and originally from Hull, spent an evening with the victim before raping and sexually assaulting her in March 2023. The attack was reported to Warwickshire Police, who arrested Black immediately following the report.
During the subsequent investigation, Black was medically discharged from the Armed Forces. He denied the offences of rape and assaulting a female over 13 by penetration. Following a thorough police investigation, he was charged with both crimes.
Trial and Sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court
The case went to trial in September, where a jury found Black guilty on both counts. At a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, December 12, 2025, he was sentenced.
Judge Mr. Justice Lang handed down a seven-year prison term for the rape and a four-year sentence for the sexual assault. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently.
In addition to his custodial sentence, Black was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely. He was also given an indefinite restraining order to prevent any contact with his victim.
Police Praise Victim's Bravery
Speaking after the sentencing, the investigating officer, Detective Constable Heather Keogh of Warwickshire Police, commended the victim's courage.
"I’m pleased the court recognised the seriousness of these offences," DC Keogh said. "Although no sentence can compare to the impact this has had on the victim, I’d like to commend them for the bravery they’ve shown throughout the investigation."
She added a strong warning to other potential offenders: "As a force, we take all reports like this extremely seriously and will always carry out thorough investigations to try and bring offenders to justice. I hope Black’s sentence sends a clear message to others who harm, or seek to harm, women, girls, or vulnerable people that they will be dealt with robustly."
Support for victims of sexual offences is available. Reports can be made in confidence to Warwickshire Police via their website or by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
