Rapist handed nine life sentences after terrorising women over 21 years
A man has been handed nine life sentences for 'terrifying' crimes spanning more than 21 years where he raped, humiliated and controlled women.
Simon Wiggins, of Church Street, Brierley Hill, first came to the attention of police in August 2018 when a woman reported being assaulted by him.
Officers attended the woman's house in Northamptonshire and discovered that Wiggins had repeatedly assaulted and raped her, say Northants Police.
An investigation was launched by the force, led by Detective Constable James Harvey, and two more victims were identified.
WATCH: Police welcome 'lengthy prison sentence'
The offences, against three separate victims, were said to have been committed in the Dudley/Stourbridge area and Northamptonshire between 1997 and 2018.
All three women spoke of being the victims of multiple assaults and rapes.
They detailed numerous occasions in which he forced himself upon them, threatened them, humiliated them and controlled them.
Wiggins, aged 48, was found guilty of 14 offences by a jury on November 14 last year.
He was handed nine life sentences and will have to serve a minimum of nine years and 250 days in prison before he is eligible for parole.
Judge Rebecca Crane, during sentencing, said: "All three of these women have spoken of their fear that you would kill them one day.
"You do not have an understanding of what consent means and have shown no remorse throughout this process."
'Dangerous and depraved'
Dc Harvey added: "Firstly, I would like to commend these three women for the exceptional bravery they have shown throughout this investigation.
"I hope this sentence provides them with some sense of justice regarding the absolutely terrifying ordeals they had to endure at the hands of this very dangerous and depraved man.
"In court we heard how both physically and psychologically traumatised these women still are.
"All three of them suffer from insomnia and nightmares - the impact Simon Wiggins has had on their lives simply cannot be put into words."
"The fact that they came forward, detailed what happened to them and supported our investigation throughout has taken courage of the highest order.
"To this day they don’t realise how brave they have been.
"I am very pleased to see Simon Wiggins handed a lengthy prison sentence where he is no longer able to pose a risk to women."
Detective Sergeant Julie Gallagher also said: "I want to take this opportunity to thank Dc Harvey for the diligence and professionalism he has shown throughout this investigation.
"He was absolutely determined to ensure that this very dangerous man was convicted in order to prevent further harm.
“This investigation shows just how seriously Northamptonshire Police takes sexual assault and domestic abuse – it is simply not tolerated and anyone who is a victim is encouraged to come forward so we can help.”
At the end of sentencing, Judge Rebecca Crane commended both the police officers and the Prosecution Team for their hard work in convicting Simon Wiggins.
Anyone in a controlling, coercive relationship, contact the police on 101 or can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
