The Comet Week in Review looks back at the past seven days in our area, including the sentencing of Stevenage rapist and Met Police officer David Carrick.

30 years for Carrick

Rapist Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick will serve at least 30 years behind bars for attacking a dozen women over a 17-year period.

In a two-day sentencing hearing, Southwark Crown Court heard how the 48-year-old “monster” from Stevenage used his power and control to carry out a “catalogue of violent and brutal” sex attacks between 2003 and 2020.

The Comet: David Carrick committed violent and brutal sex attacks between 2003 and 2020.David Carrick committed violent and brutal sex attacks between 2003 and 2020.

Carrick, who joined the Met Police in 2001 and was sacked following his conviction, was handed 36 life sentences with a minimum term of 32 years.

The sex predator previously admitted 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape and charges of sexual assault, controlling and coercive behaviour and false imprisonment.

Jail for historic sex offender

Another sex offender put behind bars this week was Paul King, who sexually assaulted a boy in Stevenage back in 1983.

The 63-year-old, from Brighton, appeared at St Albans Crown Court for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to attempted buggery and indecent assault.

The Comet: Paul King.Paul King. (Image: Herts police)

He was sentenced to eight years in prison for each offence, which will run concurrently. He will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register.

The court heard how at around 10pm on February 10, 1983, a teenage boy was walking on a snow-covered path through Fairlands Valley Park, when he was approached by a man and sexually assaulted.

A forensic review of the cold case resulted in a positive DNA profile match for King.

Is Stevenage really that bad?

This week also saw Stevenage named among the 50 worst places to live, following an annual vote, conducted by iLiveHere.

Stevenage was named as the 42nd worst place to live, with Luton taking top spot.

But, here at The Comet, we think Stevenage isn't that bad at all, and our reporter Pearce Bates told us just why.