Devon & Cornwall Police News site

A prolific offender whose sexual violence against women spanned more than a decade has today, Friday 30 May, been jailed for 30 years plus an extra five years to be served on extended licence.

Peter Wilkinson, 53 of Drake Gardens, Tavistock, was found guilty of 21 separate offences following a five-week trial at Plymouth Crown Court.

He must serve 2/3 of the 30 year custodial sentence element of the sentence before he can be considered for parole. Wilkinson must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

During the trial, the court heard how the offending took place between 2012 and 2024 in the Tavistock area against five women, four of whom were especially vulnerable.

Wilkinson was arrested in October 2023 following a report that he had sexually abused a woman on numerous occasions. He was arrested and after extensive investigative work, the investigating officer was able to identify and establish a further four more victims who Wilkinson had also targeted and abused.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Craig Ferguson prepared a voluminous and intricate case with the assistance of Beth Wycherley, a Senior Crown Prosecution Service lawyer from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team. Wilkinson was charged with multiple rapes, sexual offences, physical assaults and strangulation, all of which he denied. He remained on remand in custody until the start of his trial at Plymouth Crown Court on Monday 24 March 2025. 

Throughout the trial the jury heard detailed evidence from each of the five victims who spoke of the trauma Wilkinson had caused them. The jury also heard evidence from multiple witnesses, and from Wilkinson himself who denied any offences and claimed that all of the victims had lied about him.

On 22^nd April 2025, after two days deliberation, the jury came back with unanimous verdicts finding him guilty of multiple counts of rape, serious sexual assault, physical assault and strangulation committed against five victims.

Today, Friday 30 May, the court reconvened at Plymouth Crown Court for Wilkinson’s sentencing.

The court heard powerful victim impact statements. One victim said that she never wanted to see Wilkinson’s face again. She described: “He hurt me, he frightened me and he forced me to do things I did not want to do.”

Another spoke of being “vulnerable, frightened and exhausted” and suffering repeated nightmares and flashbacks.

A number of the victims spoke of still being in fear of Wilkinson even though he is locked up.

In mitigation it was heard that Wilkinson has an intellectual disability which results in him living a “basic” existence.

In sentencing Wilkinson, HHJ Robert Linford said the following: “You were a sexual predator who selected, groomed and abused woman.”

Judge Linford added that Wilkinson carefully selected the majority of his victims due to their vulnerabilities and inflicted physical pain and suffering on them. He also detailed the profound effect Wilkinson’s offending had.

He said: “It does not need me to say that these offences dredge the depths of depravity”, before adding that the offending “utterly beggars belief”.

Judge Linford noted that Wilkinson suffers his own intellectual difficulties, but knows right from wrong, adding “I am sure you targeted these women because of their vulnerabilities”.

Speaking after the trial DC Craig Ferguson said: “Peter Wilkinson is a dangerous and predatory sexual offender. 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.

“I have been a police officer and detective for 21 years, and this is some of the worst and most disturbing offending that I have been caused to deal with.

“This has been a lengthy, complex, and difficult investigation. I know that the outcome of this case will not have diminished the impact that Peter Wilkinson has had upon the victims and their lives, but I hope that they can now try to move forward in the knowledge that he cannot hurt them, or anyone else, anymore.

“I want to pay tribute to the strength and courage of the five women who have survived this abuse, and who each found the strength and determination to give their evidence to the court.

“Without the courage and resolve of these women Peter Wilkinson’s offending may have never come to light, and he may never have been identified and brought to justice.”

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Neil Lloyd said: “I welcome today’s verdict and thank the court and jury for their time. 

“My thoughts remain with the victims who have shown tremendous courage and strength throughout the investigation and during the trial. I hope today’s verdict provides some degree of closure and that they can begin to rebuild their lives. 

“Wilkinson was a prolific offender whose violence against women spanned more than a decade. He selected the victims because they were vulnerable, and he probably thought they would never be able to speak out or be listened to.

“I want to mention DC Craig Ferguson and PC Helen Winterson, a sexual offences liaison officer (SOLO). DC Ferguson meticulously built the prosecution case over several years, working tirelessly and with great commitment to completing all possible enquiries, whilst PC Winterson  supported the victims throughout the difficult criminal justice process, assisting DC Ferguson with some of the victim interviews, and supporting the most vulnerable in the case.

“Their work, together with our colleagues from the Crown Prosecution Service, left the jury in no doubt of Wilkinson’s guilt, and ensured the victims’ voices were heard loud and clear.

“We would urge victims of sexual abuse to report their perpetrators. I would like to reassure them that we are fully committed to putting an end to violence against women and girls. We have officers like Craig and Helen across the force who are ready to listen to you and ensure your voice is heard.”

“You can contact us on via our website here or by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999.”

Beth Wycherley, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the South West Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Over a period of more than ten years, Wilkinson sought out extraordinarily vulnerable women and subjected them to appalling and sustained sexual abuse for his own gratification. He targeted some of the most vulnerable members of his community, seeking out what should have been safe spaces for these women, in order to identify those over whom he could exert control, subjecting them to appalling sexual abuse.

“Wilkinson may have hoped that in targeting such individuals, he would be able to avoid detection for his heinous crimes – the strength, bravery and determination of these women, and their supporters, was truly inspiring and played an essential part in ensuring that he was brought to justice.

“From the outset of the investigation, Police and CPS worked tirelessly together, in partnership, to build and shape this case to ensure that each of these victims were able to access justice and have their voices heard. I hope this sends a message to anyone who may be thinking of coming forward to report an abuser that their report will be taken seriously, and that the police and CPS will investigate and prosecute these cases robustly.”

Support available

If you have been affected by this article there is support available.

You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.

You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.

Advice and support can also be found at:

National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999.