In a busy February for the county’s courts, here are seven Hertfordshire criminals who have been jailed this month, including rapist Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick.

1. David Carrick

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.David Carrick.

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.

2. Colin Phillips

Colin Phillips, of Stevenage, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexual offences against children after appearing at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday, February 9.

The 56-year-old was charged with the rape of a child under 13, three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, four counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of making indecent images of a child.

The Comet: Colin Phillips.Colin Phillips. (Image: Herts police)

The offences took place between February 2022 and July 2022.

Additionally, he was added to the sex offenders’ register and placed under a sexual harm prevention order.

"A dangerous offender has been removed from the community and put behind bars for despicable behaviour towards children," said Detective Sergeant Dan Osborne, of the Joint Child Protection Investigation Team.

3. Paul King

Paul King has been sentenced to eight years in prison for historic sexual offences which took place almost 40 years ago in Stevenage.

The 63-year-old, from Brighton, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, February 8, for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to attempted buggery and indecent assault following an incident in 1983.

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.

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

The victim reported the incident to police. No offender was identified at the time, however a DNA profile of the man was recorded.

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

"I’m pleased that King has finally been jailed for this awful attack," said Detective Inspector Iain MacPherson, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.

4. Assad Ashraf

Assad Ashraf, who a drug dealer who ran a county line in Welwyn Garden City has been jailed for more than seven years.

Appearing at St Albans Crown Court, Ashraf, of Putnoe Street, Bedford, was sentenced to seven years and six months for conspiracy to supply a class A drugs.

He ran the ‘Q’ line in the town, between August and December 2021, bringing in heroin and crack cocaine from Luton.

The Comet: Assad Ashraf.Assad Ashraf. (Image: Herts police)

He was one of six drug dealers involved in the line who have been jailed, with other members put behind bars in January.

"The disruption of this line will make a significant impact on drug use and associated crime in the region," said Detective Sergeant Jon Leak, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Mantis team.

5. Isidor Martinca

Isidor Martinca has been jailed for 15 months for 18 fraud offences after appearing at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, February 22.

The 35-year-old, of Collard Avenue, Loughton, carried out thefts in Hitchin, Royston and Welwyn Garden City between October 2021 and July 2022, by fitting a device to cash machines which retained the cards and their details.

The Comet: Isidor Martinca.Isidor Martinca. (Image: Herts police)

"Unfortunately, victims have lost several thousand pounds between them, but hopefully this sentencing and the prospect of some of the funds being recovered will be of some comfort," said Investigator Alan Mordey, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit.

6. Ashden Whelan

Ashden Whelan has been jailed for 20 months for attempted theft, theft, driving while disqualified and going equipped for theft, after stealing a Range Rover from a village near Hitchin.

The 32-year-old, from Tilbury, stole the car, valued between £17,000 and £20,000, from Whitwell on November 1 last year.

He was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, February 21.

The court heard that Whelan was in debt and decided to steal a car, with Judge Foster saying: "Many people are in desperate financial straits. They don’t go around committing crime."

7. Leon Day

Leon Day has been sentenced to 150 days in prison for stealing from Tesco, Co-Op, Sainsbury's and BP in Potters Bar, after appearing at Hatfield Magistrates Court on Tuesday, February 14.

The Comet: Leon Day.Leon Day. (Image: Herts police)

The offences took place between September 2022 and January 2023, with the 39-year-old ordered to pay £2,477.60 in compensation and a £154 victim surcharge.

"Day is a prolific offender who stole hundreds of pounds worth of goods from shops," said PC Sophie Stalley.