Peter Wilkinson Found Guilty of Multiple Sexual and Violent Offences Against Vulnerable Women

kaan General 23 Apr, 2025

Peter Wilkinson, 52, was convicted of multiple rapes, sexual assaults, and violent attacks against vulnerable women over an eight-year period. He will be sentenced on June 6 at Plymouth Crown Court.

Peter Wilkinson, a 52-year-old man from Drake Gardens, Tavistock, has been found guilty by a jury at Plymouth Crown Court of committing a series of horrific sexual and violent crimes against vulnerable women over an eight-year period.

Following a five-week trial and two days of deliberations, the jury unanimously convicted Wilkinson of eight counts of rape (some involving multiple incidents), two counts of attempted rape, eight sexual assaults, one count of assault by penetration, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of intentional suffocation.

The jury also returned not guilty verdicts on two additional rape charges, one count of coercive control, one intentional suffocation charge, and two counts of actual bodily harm.

Judge Robert Linford approved a psychiatric and pre-sentence report to evaluate whether Wilkinson poses a continued risk of serious harm to the public. This evaluation will help determine whether he should receive an extended sentence or potentially a life sentence under licence.

Wilkinson has been remanded in custody until the sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for June 6.

Addressing the jury, Judge Linford acknowledged the emotional weight of the trial, calling it a 'very troubling case involving someone who deliberately preyed upon vulnerable people.' He commended the jurors for their service, noting they had endured a longer and more intense process than most, and thanked them on behalf of the court and the city.

He assured them that if they were ever summoned for jury service again within the next ten years, they had the right to decline. He also encouraged them to seek support if they felt affected by the distressing content of the case.