A sex beast who broke in a house more than two decades ago and raped a teenage girl, then went on to commit two more terrifying attacks, has been jailed for 15 years.

Peter Baldwin was sentenced to 12 years for the later offences in 1991 but escaped justice for the earlier rape until January this year when the “cold case” was reviewed and a DNA match was made.

The 56-year-old project manager’s wife watched from the public gallery on Monday as a judge told him he remained a “possible risk” to females.

But he added he was “just persuaded” it was not necessary to impose an indeterminate sentence for public safety.

Baldwin, of Camberley, Surrey, denied aggravated burglary with intent to rape, rape, three charges of indecent assault and making threats to kill, but was convicted on what Judge Michael Carroll called overwhelming evidence.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the predatory pervert was living in Hollybush Road, Gravesend, when he broke into the house in Sittingbourne at night and raped the terrified victim.

He had taken a knife from the kitchen and threatened to kill her if she did not do as he demanded.

There was no DNA data base at the time and Baldwin escaped arrest.

Just three months later he pounced on a teenager in the street in Gravesend in the early hours and forced her into a garden.

He hit her several times and threatened to kill her. He tried to strangle her with a lace from her hair and forced her to perform sex acts on him.

Baldwin was released on bail and seven months later he attacked a woman in her 40s in her car in London’s Soho.

He grabbed her by the throat and threatened to kill her, pushed her into the back seat and sexually assaulted her.

He was sentenced for attempted rape, indecent assault, attempting to choke or strangle with intent to commit an offence, assault with intent to commit a serious sexual offence, assault and another serious sexual offence.

He was released in October 1997.

His criminal record was put before the jury of seven men and five women as admissions in the latest case.

Following conviction on Monday prosecutor Kaly Kaul QC revealed other offences committed by Baldwin.

"Baldwin is an evil, controlling sex offender who is a danger to women. His offending was horrific and violent and his depraved actions left a lasting impact on his victim..." - DS Andrea Richards

In 1978 he was convicted of indecent exposure in St Benedicts Avenue, Gravesend.

In February 2004 he was jailed for taking indecent photos of children.

Using the email address “Ipopcherries” he posted a message on a notice board asking for pointers on how to abuse a 13-year-old girl.

In 2009 he was jailed for 20 months for taking indecent images of children.

Baldwin’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

After the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Andrea Richards said: "Baldwin is an evil, controlling sex offender who is a danger to women.

"His offending was horrific and violent and his depraved actions left a lasting impact on his victim who showed great courage throughout the trial.

"I firmly believe her brave actions by giving evidence has prevented Baldwin from carrying out further attacks on women.

"Without the victim’s support on this investigation Baldwin most certainly would have gone free.

"Though nothing will ever take away what happened to this lady 25 years ago, I hope that the conviction will offer our victim some closure and a sense that justice has been served."