A child rapist is facing jail after today being convicted of a string of offences spanning 38 years – a number of which were committed while he was living in Letchworth.

St Albans Crown Court heard of Philip Parker’s abuse of three children from 1968 through to 2004, all carried out while he was living in Letchworth and Essex.

Parker – of Coopers Villas in Takeley, Essex – was arrested in 2015 and charged with 10 offences of rape.

Following the 63-year-old’s conviction for all 10 counts after a three-week trial, he has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at the same court on April 3.

Dt Sgt Rebecca Crudgington from Herts Police Children Protection and Investigation team said: “Parker abused his position of trust to rape these children over a long period of time. He told two of his terrified victims that he would kill them if they told anyone about what he was doing to them.

“Parker probably thought he had got away with his horrendous crimes. However, after years of silence his brave victims, who are now adults, have found the strength to come forward and speak to specialist police officers, which enabled us to build a case and arrest Parker.

“Throughout the trial Parker has not shown any remorse for what he has done.

“Although nothing can change what happened to these women, I hope that today’s verdict helps them in some way to move forward with their lives.

“Hertfordshire Constabulary takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously no matter how long ago the offences occurred and we have officers who are specially trained to deal with victims of these types of crimes.”

Those who have been a victim of sexual abuse or sexual violence and do not wish to speak to police directly can contact the independent Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre for practical and emotional support.

The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them.

To contact Herts SARC call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 178 4448, email Herts.SARC@nhs.net or visit hertssarc.org..