Wirral man jailed for raping two women while they slept

Alan Pickering was found guilty following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court

A man who raped and sexually assaulted two women on several occasions as they slept has been jailed for 11 years.

Alan Pickering, 40, targeted the women between January 2004 and July 2020 in Wirral and Chester.

Cheshire Police said Pickering's offending had a "hugely traumatic impact on the victims", who then had to give evidence during his trial.

He was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court and was also given a four-year extended licence period.

Pickering, of Procter Road, Rock Ferry, was convicted of five counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

Both women told police that they had woken to find Pickering raping them.

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

'Courage and bravery'

Following the sentencing, Det Con 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 victims 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 were able to see through his lies and he is now finally being held accountable for his actions."

Pickering was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely and handed indefinite restraining orders against the victims.

Det Con 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."

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