COLIN ATKINSON'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN TORQUAY AND HEREFORD: A PERVERTED PAST REVEALED

In June 2022, Colin Atkinson, who had previously served a decade in prison, was officially released and registered as residing in Birmingham. However, reports indicate that he has been staying in Hereford, raising concerns about his whereabouts and activities following his release.

Back in May 2011, a disturbing case emerged from Torquay involving Atkinson, a man then aged 48, who was found guilty of a heinous series of crimes against a heavily pregnant woman. The incident took place over a six-day period, during which the victim endured repeated assaults and confinement at Atkinson’s residence.

Atkinson, who was employed as a pub bouncer, faced multiple charges at Exeter Crown Court. He was convicted of four counts of rape and one count of false imprisonment. Additionally, he was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and intimidating a witness. Throughout the trial, Atkinson maintained his innocence, denying all allegations brought against him.

The court proceedings revealed that Atkinson had kept the pregnant woman imprisoned within his home, subjecting her to sexual assault and controlling her movements. The victim, who was seven-and-a-half months pregnant at the time, recounted that she was raped approximately 14 times during July 2010. She also described being forced to cook, tidy, and tend to the garden for Atkinson, effectively making her a prisoner in her own right.

The victim managed to summon help after she managed to access her mobile phone and contacted a friend. The friend then called the police, leading to the eventual arrest and prosecution of Atkinson. Prosecutor Jonathan Barnes described the victim’s ordeal, stating, “While she was there in his flat she said that Atkinson, to use her own expression, treated her like a sex machine. She said he repeatedly made her have sex with him in Torquay without any regard at all to whether she wanted to or not. Atkinson kept her as a virtual prisoner — or a literal prisoner.”

The court also heard that the jury was unable to reach a verdict on a charge of kidnapping, which was ordered to lie on file. Sentencing for Atkinson was postponed, pending further proceedings. The case highlights a disturbing pattern of abuse and control exercised by Atkinson during the period of the assault, leaving a lasting impact on the victim and raising ongoing concerns about his activities following his release from prison.