'Predator' who raped three girls is jailed for 26 years

JOE PEARSON 'LEFT A TRAIL OF EMOTIONAL CARNAGE'

- CARL EVE

A 'SEXUAL predator' who left a 'trail of emotional carnage and trauma' behind him has been locked up for nearly 20 years after raping three girls.

Following a nine-day trial at Plymouth Crown Court, Joe Pearson, of Victoria Place, Stoke, was found guilty of two counts of rape of a child under the age of 13 and one count of rape of a teenager. Pearson, 22, was also found guilty of three counts of penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15.

The offences took place between March 2019 and October 2020. All three victims cannot to identified for legal reasons.

The court heard how Pearson targeted the first girl when he was just a little under 18 and she was aged under 13. He went on to rape - including anal rape and engage in sexual activity with two more girls aged under 15. The court heard that he continued his offending even after being arrested in May 2020 whereupon he was 'released under investigation, committing further offences in October 2020.

The court heard from prosecutor Peter Rouch KC who said Pearson met all three online and targeted them because they were "young, vulnerable, troubled girls".

Pearson forcibly raped his first victim, the court was told, "overpowering her" despite her shouts and screams and kicking, having first led her to an isolated park. He ordered her not to tell anyone, saying he would rape her again.