Peter Whetstone 29

Description

A rapist who sexually assaulted two teenage girls after befriending and grooming them has been jailed.

Peter Whetstone abused the two victims during the spring and summer of 2020 after meeting them at a skate park in Mansfield.

He repeatedly messaged them, persuaded them to send him intimate images and videos and went on to sexually assault both girls.

Whetstone, who was aged 23 at the time of the offences, then raped one of the girls on 5 September 2020 at his home in Mansfield.

Police were made aware following a social media post and began an investigation while the victims were interviewed and supported by specialist officers.

Both victims had vulnerabilities and were targeted by Whetstone.

They later described in victim statements how Whetstone was part of an older group and was a ‘talented skater’ who tried to impress them.

They also spoke of how the abuse continues to impact upon their lives half a decade later and how they felt their teenage years had been stolen from them.

Following his arrest, Whetstone gave a ‘no comment’ interview to officers.

The 29-year-old, of Mansfield, eventually pleaded guilty almost five years later to inciting sexual activity, sexual communications with a child, two counts of meeting a child following grooming and four counts of sexual activity with a child.

He continued to deny rape and two counts of sexual assault but was found guilty following a trial in September 2025.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (10 March) he was jailed for a total of 10 years.

He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further notice and will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Detective Constable Kerry Stringfellow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Whetstone’s behaviour was predatory and manipulative with evidence he had targeted these victims because of their vulnerabilities.

“He knew perfectly well that what he was doing was illegal and would have a profound impact on his victims and their families.

“As he begins a jail sentence I would like to pay tribute to the two victims at the centre of this case for the bravery they have shown during the legal process and Whetstone’s repeated denials.

“I would also like to send a very clear warning to other adults thinking of committing similar offences against children – you will be caught and go to prison.”