A MAN who was found guilty of historical rapes against young girls in Coventry has been jailed for 24 years.
David Cockerill was jailed after appearing at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, January 22.
The 37-year-old was charged with 14 sexual offences against five women, who were young girls at the time of the offences.
The sexual abuse took place over several years from 1998 to 2005.
In May 2020 at the start of the Covid pandemic, a complaint of historical sexual abuse was made against Cockerill.
This prompted others to bravely come forward, with details they provided crucial in securing a conviction.
Cockerill was arrested and charged from Skegness and following a trial, he was found guilty.
DI Rachel Gregory from Coventry Public Protection Unit said: “This was a truly appalling case and Cockerill showed no remorse or emotion when in court.
“Cockerill denied the charges in their entirety, forcing the women to have the traumatic experience of giving evidence in court.
“I cannot praise their bravery and courage enough and without them coming forward Cockerill would not have been brought to justice.
“We hope the woman’s bravery encourages others subjected to abuse and sexual assault to come forward; we are here to help and listen.”
