A 'SEXUAL predator' who left a 'trail of emotional carnage and trauma' behind him has been locked up for nearly 20 years after raping three girls.
Following a nine-day trial at Plymouth Crown Court, Joe Pearson, of Victoria Place, Stoke, was found guilty of two counts of rape of a child under the age of 13 and one count of rape of a teenager. Pearson, 22, was also found guilty of three counts of penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15.
The offences took place between March 2019 and October 2020. All three victims cannot to identified for legal reasons.
The court heard how Pearson targeted the first girl when he was just a little under 18 and she was aged under 13. He went on to rape - including anal rape and engage in sexual activity with two more girls aged under 15. The court heard that he continued his offending even after being arrested in May 2020 whereupon he was 'released under investigation, committing further offences in October 2020.
The court heard from prosecutor Peter Rouch KC who said Pearson met all three online and targeted them because they were "young, vulnerable, troubled girls".
Pearson forcibly raped his first victim, the court was told, "overpowering her" despite her shouts and screams and kicking, having first led her to an isolated park. He ordered her not to tell anyone, saying he would rape her again.
Denne historien er fra August 30, 2023-utgaven av The Herald.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 30, 2023-utgaven av The Herald.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Ford doubt for England's autumn Tests
RUGBY UNION England fly-half George Ford suffered a torn thigh muscle during Sale's 45-26 Gallagher Premiership defeat to Saracens.
Argyle acquit themselves well but pay the penalty in narrow loss to Burnley
WAYNE Rooney described as 'a little bit harsh' the penalty from which Burnley scored the goal to beat his Plymouth Argyle side 1-0 at Turf Moor.
Victorious Kellond keen to pursue Boxing career
PLYMOUTH teenager Mackenzie Kellond took the Western Counties Boxing Championship last weekend after he gave his opponent a standing eight count with just seconds to spare in Cheltenham.
Jones facing a pitch battle at World Cup
AMY Jones admits the conditions at the Women's T20 World Cup will challenge her as a wicketkeeper.
Sir Keir 'wants to make Brexit work'
SIR Keir Starmer promised a \"pragmatic, sensible\" approach to the UK-EU relationship in order to \"make Brexit work\", as he held talks in Brussels yesterday.
Taxi driver in fear after attack
PASSENGERS ALLEDGEDLY ASSAULTED DRIVER AND STOLE CASH
Crane needed as lorry gets stuck in lane
LORRY WAS THERE FOR THREE DAYS
Car park spots blocked over erosion worry
A POPULAR beauty spot near Plymouth has lost a number of parking spaces after concerns were raised about erosion.
Plastic fantastic in school contest
CONTEST COULD NET SCHOOL A BRAND NEW PLAYGROUND
AI cameras set to detect A386 traffic offences
SEATBELT AND MOBILE PHONE USERS BEWARE
