A man has been jailed for more than 20 years after being found guilty of a series of historical rapes against young girls in Coventry.

David Cockerill, aged 37, has been jailed for 24 years after appearing at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday 22 January; charged with a total of 14 sexual offences against five women, who were young girls at the time of the offences.

The sexual abuse occurred over a number of years from 1998 to 2005, confirmed West Midlands Police.

In May 2020, at the start of the COVID pandemic, a complaint of historical sexual abuse was made against Cockerill which then prompted others to “bravely come forward” say police.

“The details they provided were crucial in securing a conviction.

“We arrested and charged Cockerill 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.”

The force also said West Midlands Police’s Public Protection officers were specially trained to deal sensitively with sexual abuse survivors, offer them support and guide them through the court process.

To speak to the force’s Public Protection Unit, call 101 or contact RSVP (Rape & Sexual Violence Project) Birmingham on 0121 643 4136.

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