Man jailed for multiple counts of rape and sexual assault

A man from Wirral has been jailed after he was convicted of raping and sexually assaulting two women as they slept.

Alan Pickering appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 28 November where he was sentenced to 15 years in prison along with four years on extended licence.

The 40-year-old of Procter Road, Rock Ferry, had earlier been found guilty of five counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault by penetration following an earlier trial.

During the trial, the court was told that between January 2004 and July 2020 Pickering raped two victims on multiple occasions in the Chester and Wirral areas.

Both women told police that they had woken to find that Pickering was raping then, despite the fact that neither of them had given their consent.

His offending continued even after the victims repeatedly asked him to stop.

The allegations against Pickering’s came to light in 2020 after a report was made to social services at Cheshire West and Chester.

The report was passed to Cheshire Police who launched an investigation.

Following the sentencing, 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 victim’s 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 we’re able to see through his lies and he is now finally being held accountable for his actions.”

In addition to his prison sentence Pickering was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and handed indefinite restraining orders against the victims.

Detective Constable Peel 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.”

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.