Locations
Halford Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79
Description
Police have snared a rapist - after the sex beast confessed his crimes to a priest. Rapist Peter Rogerson wrote a partial confession in a note handed to Father Michael White at Sacred Heart Church, in Tamworth, and Staffordshire Police were called in.
A jury last year convicted the 58-year-old of 24 serious sexual offences involving three victims - including 10 rapes.
Now Rogerson has been handed a 34-year extended jail sentence - including at least 18 years in custody before he can be considered for parole. He refused to appear at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court for his sentencing hearing.
Prosecutor Ben Douglas-Jones KC said: "This was a truly sickening campaign of rapes and other very serious sexual offences."
The court heard moving statements read by the victims who spoke of the devastating impact the abuse has had on them.
One said: "I will never forget how much damage he caused." A second said she feels 'such a failure'.
Carl Templar-Vasey, mitigating, said Rogerson, of Halford Crescent Tamworth, has since admitted five of the offences.
Judge Sally Hancox has handed Rogerson an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and put him on the Sex Offenders' Register for life. He must serve two-thirds of his 28-year custodial sentence before he can even be considered for parole.
Judge Hancox said: "Your offending can only be described as dreadful. I find you do fulfil the criteria and are a dangerous offender."
The judge commended the officer in charge of the case - Detective Constable Alex Goldman - for her hard work and high level of diligence and said she will be put forward for a High Sheriff's Award.