PETER HARVEY FROM COVENTRY AND PRESTON JAILED FOR RAPE OF SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has shocked communities across Coventry and Preston, Peter Harvey, a man previously regarded by many as a deeply spiritual and community-oriented individual, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the heinous crimes committed against a schoolgirl. The conviction follows a lengthy investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning over eight years, which Harvey carried out before relocating from Coventry to Preston to start anew with his wife.

Harvey, aged 58, was initially from Coventry, where his dark past was hidden beneath a facade of kindness and religious devotion. His wife, Barbara, 66, has spoken publicly about her shock and distress upon learning of her husband's crimes. She recounted how she was unaware of the allegations until police officers stopped Harvey at the airport during their honeymoon trip in 2014, leading to his arrest. Barbara, who is partially sighted, described her emotional turmoil, saying, “I barely go out since this has happened. I don’t know what’s going on. A lot of people won’t talk to me. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep. No-one comes to see me. I feel shunned.”

Despite her suffering, Barbara maintains her innocence regarding the accusations, stating, “I don’t believe any of it. He rings me for two minutes each night from prison.” Her relationship with Harvey began in 2008 when they met through mutual friends and his brother, after he had moved to Preston. The couple shared a spiritual bond, training together in reiki healing and hosting sessions for friends at their home. Barbara claims she inspired Harvey to become a born-again Christian, describing him as her “rock.” They married at a Methodist church in Preston in September 2013 and had planned a late honeymoon cruise in January of the following year.

However, their idyllic life was shattered when Harvey was arrested, and the truth of his past was revealed. The police investigation, which originated in the West Midlands, uncovered evidence of Harvey’s long history of sexual abuse. After a 10-day trial at Warwick Crown Court, jurors found him guilty of 10 charges, including four counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault, two sexual assaults, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The court sentenced him to a total of 20 years in prison, with an extended license period to ensure he remains under supervision after his release.

Harvey’s neighbors and community members expressed their shock and dismay at the revelations. One neighbor, who lives on a cul-de-sac predominantly inhabited by elderly women, recounted his interactions with Harvey, saying, “He used to come into our houses. We live on a cul-de-sac of mostly elderly women. He’d been in everyone’s houses being all friendly. He told me he had been in the army. ‘Me and my wife are born again Christians. I can bless this house if you like, it’s a happy home,’ he said.”

Another neighbor, who attended school with Barbara, described the community’s horror upon learning the truth. The police had arrived at Harvey’s residence, seizing his computer equipment and arresting him under a blanket, an event that left a lasting impression on those who knew him. The community’s sense of betrayal is profound, especially considering Harvey’s previous reputation as a man of faith and healing. His home, located next to a community hub for teenagers, became a focal point of police activity, further emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and the community’s shock at the betrayal of trust.