A brutal rapist from Plymouth has been locked up for 20 years after a series of terrifying attacks shocked Devon and Cornwall. Peter Gilbert, 54, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court on Wednesday 18 February after being found guilty of three counts of rape.
Unexpected Confession Unravels Dark Crimes
Gilbert’s nightmare began when he walked into Charles Cross Police Station in June 2022 to report an unrelated crime. Nervous and pacing, he suddenly admitted to committing a sexual offence. This shocking confession sparked a police probe that uncovered the full horror of his actions.
Chilling Attacks Across Devon and Cornwall
- Attacks happened in Newquay, Plymouth, and Truro.
- The victim revealed how Gilbert raped her multiple times, including after a night out in Newquay.
- She froze in fear during the assaults and suffered relentless threats.
- Gilbert used his size and weapons to terrorise and force compliance.
- He even filmed some attacks — hiding himself but showing the victim — to control and blackmail her.
Judge Condemns ‘Vicious’ Predator
Judge Simon Carr did not hold back when slamming Gilbert’s violent actions. The victim was subjected to horrific abuse, including having cigarettes stubbed out on her arms, leaving permanent scars.
“Gilbert preyed upon his victim with terrifying brutality,” Judge Carr said. “He filmed the rapes and used that footage as a tool of control and abuse.”
Additional Crimes and Lifetime Monitoring
Besides multiple rape convictions, Gilbert was found guilty of a non-sexual offence and admitted to breaching a court order and maliciously sharing an intimate video to cause distress.
He must now sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. A restraining order is in place to protect the victim.
