Robert Parkin 36

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A serial rapist from Derby has been handed a jail sentence lasting more than three decades. Robert Parkin denied he had sexually attacked three different women meaning the victims all had to give evidence and relive their harrowing ordeals at a trial.

Following the trial, which lasted three weeks at Derby Crown Court, sitting in Chesterfield, and after deliberating for a number of days, the jury returned with guilty verdicts on three counts of rape as well as charges of stalking and assault.

Reading her own victim impact statement at Derby Crown Court at his sentencing hearing on Friday, July 7, one of the women said: "When I go to sleep I have constant nightmares of him being released from prison coming to my house and trying to get in or that he is sitting in the bushes watching me."

Recorder Adrian Reynolds handed Parkin, of Uttoxeter Road, a 32-year sentence. He said this was made up of 24 years plus an eight-year extension for dangerousness. He also placed the 35-year-old on the sex offender register for life and handed him a restraining order.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Adam Redfern said: It is abundantly clear the devastating impact Parkins behaviour has had on these three women. I hope that the outcome of the case will offer some form of closure as they continue to rebuild their lives and leave the dark cloud Parkins actions has placed over them for too long.

I cannot praise the bravery of these three women enough, for initially reporting these traumatic incidents, and then subsequently being forced to relive that very trauma, at court. They have been resolute throughout the trial and should be proud of the strength they have found.

DC Redfern added: I hope this case highlights how seriously we take allegations and how thoroughly we will investigate them. Violence and sexual violence does not have a place in our society and we will do all we can to ensure we bring perpetrators to justice.