JOHN HINTON, THE 'DEVIL' RAPIST FROM PETERBOROUGH, SENTENCED TO INDEFINITE IMPRISONMENT

In a chilling case that has shocked the community of Peterborough, a man known as John Hinton, aged 23, has been sentenced to an indefinite prison term after committing a series of heinous sexual offenses in the early hours of June 5 last year. Hinton, who ominously referred to himself as 'the Devil,' carried out a brutal attack spree near Central Park, leaving a trail of fear and trauma among his victims.

According to court proceedings, Hinton targeted young women in the vicinity of Central Park, engaging in violent and sexual assaults that culminated in the rape of a 15-year-old girl. The court was told that each victim was left in a state of terror, fearing for their lives during the terrifying ordeal. The final victim, a girl who cannot be named for legal reasons due to her age, was assaulted after Hinton had already attacked two other women earlier that night.

During the hearing, John Lloyd-Jones QC, representing Hinton, described his client as someone with 'extremely dark and disturbing fantasies.' The court was shown evidence of Hinton’s disturbing mental state, including pages of diary entries he wrote while in custody. One entry read: 'I still feel like killing and eating somebody. I’ll catch the prey and tie her up.' Further writings revealed his desire to mutilate victims, send body parts to their families, and even drink their blood. Hinton’s own words included declarations such as 'I am the devil,' highlighting the severity of his mental health issues.

The prosecution, led by Jonathan Seely, detailed the sequence of violent events. The attacks began shortly after midnight, with Hinton assaulting two acquaintances. He then chased one of them, pinning her to the ground and attempting to remove her clothing. He was only interrupted and forced to flee when residents nearby became aware of his actions. The court heard that Hinton’s violence did not stop there.

He later approached another young woman from behind, covering her mouth with his hand. She started to scream and shout 'rape,' which caused him to flee the scene when a passing vehicle distracted him. The final assault involved a lone girl walking in the area. Hinton approached her from behind, punched her to the ground, and rendered her unconscious. When she regained consciousness, he threatened her with death, telling her to come with him to the park and warning her he would slit her throat before raping her. The attack lasted approximately 20 minutes, during which Hinton also performed a disturbing magic trick and expressed a desire to start a relationship with her.

Hinton, who resides on Wesleyan Road in Peterborough, appeared in court via video link from HMP Peterborough. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, causing actual bodily harm, wounding, and assault by beating, at an earlier hearing. His defense highlighted that Hinton has been diagnosed with a personality disorder and posed a significant risk to the public.

Judge Nic Madge sentenced Hinton to an indeterminate term, stating that he must serve a minimum of six years. The judge emphasized the danger Hinton posed to society, noting, 'There is a serious risk of danger to the public by further offences by you. You will be released only when it is no longer necessary for you to be detained for the protection of the public.' The case has left the community of Peterborough in shock, with authorities emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and public safety measures.