A serial rapist who preyed on women as they slept has been jailed.
Alan Pickering, from Rock Ferry, was found guilty of five counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault by penetration following a trial.
During the trial the court was told his offending happened between 2004 and 2020 in the Chester and Wirral areas. Both women told police that they had woken up to find Pickering was raping them, despite the fact that neither of them had given their consent.
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Pickering then continued to rape the women after they repeatedly asked him to stop. Allegations against the 40-year-old came to light in 2020 after which Cheshire Police launched an investigation.
At Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 28 November, Pickering, was sentenced to 15 years in prison along with four years on extended licence.
Detective Constable Peel, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly I would like to commend the victims for the courage and bravery that they have shown throughout this case. I know that Pickering’s offending has had a hugely traumatic impact on the victims and having to give evidence during the trial was not easy for them.
"But thanks to the statements they gave, and the evidence we gathered, the jury were able to see through his lies and he is now finally being held accountable for his actions.”
He added: “Nobody should have to experience what these women have been though and if anything can be achieved from this case, I hope that it encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us. We treat all reports extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.
“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”
Pickering will remain on the sex offenders register for life and has been handed an indefinite restraining order against the the victims.
To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20.
Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
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