Lonely hearts rapist Sean Walker was starting four life sentences today.

Walker, who wooed young women after contacting them through newspaper columns, will not be eligible for parole for at least five years.

Some of his angry victims sat in the public gallery at Basildon Crown Court as he was sentenced by Judge Philip Clegg.

Walker was told by the judge that he had become paranoid about his girlfriends. He had set out to terrify them and gradually control them with his lustful behaviour.

The judge said if 29-year-old Walker was released in the next few years, there was a strong possibility he would re-offend and only life terms were appropriate.

Walker, of Rising Grove, Basildon, was convicted on four counts of rape, three of causing actual bodily harm to his victims, intimidating a witness and harassment.

Kinky sex played a major part in Walker's life after he was rejected by girls in his early teens.

As he grew up he gained convictions for assault, burglary and theft, which included stealing women's knickers from washing lines.

His barrister, Linda Dobbs, QC, said most of Walker's relationships were stormy, although he did not use gratuitous violence or weapons.

Naively, Walker thought it was normal to use some violence in a relationship.

Since his string of offences, however, it is claimed Walker has realised he does have a problem and is happy to begin counselling.

Miss Dobbs said Walker apologised to his victims and he blamed part of the trouble on alcohol and drugs.

Judge Clegg commented: "That's true, he would not be standing in the dock today if it had not been for his jealousy which was brought on by his drinking and drugs."

His offences came to light after one of the young women complained. As police looked into her ordeal, other vile offences were revealed and further victims came forward.

The judge paid tribute to the painstaking investigation carried out by police officers, led by Det Supt David Bright, who recently retired.

Supt Bright said after the case that he was particularly pleased with the way his officers and the crown prosecution service had handled the investigation in nailing the rapist.

Walker, whose name will now be added to the national sex offenders' register, tried to commit suicide when he was convicted at the earlier hearing.

Only minutes after being banged up in a cell below the courthouse Walker slashed his wrists with a broken inhaler used for combating his asthma.

Jailed - Sean Walker

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