Lonely hearts rapist Sean Walker today faces a long prison sentence after being convicted of hideous sex attacks on three former girlfriends.

The length of the sentence will be decided after Walker has been examined by two psychiatrists -- one independent, the other from the prison service.

Walker, 29, who wooed his lovers through newspaper lonely hearts columns, showed no emotion as he was found guilty of raping the three victims.

He was cleared by a Basildon Crown Court jury of raping two other young women, but found guilty on two counts of causing actual bodily harm. He admitted a further assault.

Walker, of no fixed address but from Laindon, was also found guilty of threats to kill two of the women, one count of harassment and another of intimidating a witness.

The jury of six men and six women took 11 hours and 19 minutes to return their verdicts following a four-week trial.

Shocked jurors saw several tearful women break down in the witness box.

The victims spoke softly between tears and described how Walker began normal loving relationships with them, bestowing lavish gifts and whispering sweet nothings.

He was tender and caring, telling them they were the loves of his life. He suggested marriage to at least two of the girls.

However, just as easily as be appeared nice and affectionate towards them, he would suddenly turn nasty.

The jury heard that sex would inevitably follow his wild-eyed rages. He would pin down his protesting victims and, despite their screams, savagely rape them.

One girl said during the trial: "He was not all there. He was horrible, just like a monster from a horror film."

Others described how Walker became something of a control freak. He wanted his own way, and made sure he got it.

If there was a problem, he would hit out and resort to cruel, sexual domination over his fearful girlfriends.

Walker could not read or write and went to a special school because of his poor behaviour. He claimed he was bullied throughout childhood by older brothers and school thugs.

In adulthood, he took out his revenge on vulnerable young women who did not have the strength to fight back.

Rapist - Sean Walker

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