Man who sexually abused vulnerable women jailed

A "sexual predator" who abused five vulnerable women over a 12-year period has been jailed.

Peter Wilkinson, 53, of Drake Gardens in Tavistock, Devon, was found guilty of 21 separate offences against the women and was sentenced to 30 years in prison and five years on licence during a hearing at Plymouth Crown Court.

Wilkinson was charged with multiple counts of rape, serious sexual assault, physical assault and strangulation on five women, four of whom were described as "especially vulnerable", between 2012 and 2024.

Judge Robert Linford said Wilkinson's offences, which were carried out in the Tavistock area, "dredged the depths of depravity".

The judge added: "You were a sexual predator who selected and abused women."

Wilkinson must also sign the Sex Offenders' for life.

Devon and Cornwall Police said Wilkinson was arrested in October 2023 following a report he had sexually abused a woman on numerous occasions.

The force said after extensive investigative work, officers identified four more of Wilkinson's victims.

The court heard victim impact statements from some of the women Wilkinson abused, with one saying she never wanted to see his face again.

She said: "He hurt me, he frightened me and he forced me to do things I did not want to do."

Another said she suffered repeated nightmares and flashbacks of her ab and said she felt "vulnerable, frightened and exhausted".

In mitigation, the court heard Wilkinson had an intellectual disability which results in him living a "basic" existence.

During sentencing, Judge Linford said Wilkinson knew right from wrong despite his disability.

"It does not need me to say that these offences dredge the depths of depravity," the judge said.

Speaking after the hearing, investigating officer DC Craig Ferguson paid tribute to the victims, recognising the bravery they had shown during the "lengthy, complex and difficult" case.

He said: "The offences in this case were harrowing with vulnerable people being targeted and abused in their homes where they should have been able to feel safe and secure."

He added that the offending had been "some of the worst and most disturbing" he had dealt with in his 21-year police career.

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