Controlling ex jailed for multiple rapes

A controlling bodybuilder from Derby has been jailed for 24 years for the abuse and rape of a series of ex-partners.

Robert Parkin (35) subjected a succession of partners to sexual and emotional abuse during relationships, forcing them into sexual activity and assaulting them.

In one six-month long relationship, he used threats to force his partner to wear his choice of clothing and limited her choices about her personal life. He regularly forced her into sex against her will, expressing the belief that women were obliged to submit to sexual activity whenever he wanted to.

Parkin demonstrated volatile behaviour throughout relationships, making survivors feel like he could turn violent at any given moment and putting them in constant fear of reprisals if they did not agree to his demands, no matter how extreme they were.

When one relationship ended, he appeared at the survivor’s address on the pretext of collecting personal property. While at the property, he turned violent, assaulting and raping the victim.

Accounts provided by three former partners create an evidential picture of a serious cycle of behaviour. Parkin was prosecuted for rape, controlling and coercive behaviour in relation to all three survivors, one count of stalking and two counts of assault by beating. He was sentenced at Derby Crown Court to 24 years imprisonment with an extended licence of 8 years.

Asma Hopkinson from the CPS said: “I have nothing but admiration for the survivors in this horrific case. Robert Parkin subjected them to the most degrading abuse and tried to undermine their self-belief. Despite this immense challenge, they have stood up for what is right and shown Parkin to be the manipulative, abusive individual the evidence clearly shows him to be. His conviction and today’s sentence are thanks to their determination to tell the court what they were subjected to.

“The sentence handed down by the court reflects just how badly he treated these survivors. It is important that we call this kind of behaviour out and put it before the courts. Our message is simple – please report this kind of abuse. There are agencies who can support you in making your complaint and the CPS and police together will do everything we can to bring abusers to justice.”