Former Thames Valley policeman Nicholas Peel, 55, was based in Newbury but worked across West Berkshire.

He was found guilty of raping his victim four times and attempting to rape her again, following a trial at Salisbury Crown Court in March.

Between 2015 and 2020, Peel targeted the victim – a woman in her 50s who was known to him – several times.

The former police constable worked for the police force from November 1997 until he retired in December 2024.

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In a hearing on Monday, April 13 at Winchester Crown Court, Peel was sentenced to nine years in prison and handed a 10-year restraining order, stopping him from making contact with the victim.

The jury returned guilty verdicts after he appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on March 6.

He was guilty of committing four counts of rape and an attempt to rape a woman aged 16 or over.

Peel, now living in Essex, will also have to sign on to the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.

He was struck off from the force last year after he was found guilty of gross misconduct for abusing access to police systems.

He was investigated for two separate cases of misconduct.

The first case involved incidents between December 2022 and April 2023.

During this period, Peel used his police radio both on and off duty to access multiple channels belonging to other police forces.

Investigating officer DC Jo Newbery, of Wiltshire Police, said: “I’d like to praise the victim in this case for having the courage and conviction to see this case through, which has resulted in Nicholas Peel being jailed for his abhorrent actions.

“Peel repeatedly targeted her and raped her over a number of years, and then denied the offences, forcing her to relive the experiences through a trial.

“Her incredible bravery in giving evidence and statements ensured that Peel was found guilty by jury for his crimes, and he now faces spending several years behind bars.

“I hope that this sentence inspires others who have suffered sexual violence to come forward and report incidents to the police where we will endeavour to support you.”

The main reason is the increasing use of temporary and variable speed limits, which are enforced automatically by speed cameras.

 On busy stretches of the M4 — particularly between junctions 19 and 20 — speed limits often drop to 50mph or 60mph because of congestion, roadworks or safety concerns.

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Several motorists have been taken to court after being recorded at speeds such as 67mph or 72mph, which many drivers still assume is acceptable on a motorway. In law, even a few miles per hour over a temporary limit can result in fines and penalty points.

A Swindon motorist was fined after being caught by an automated speed camera driving at 67mph on the M4, where a temporary 50mph limit was in place. 

Joseph Amenebede, 38, of Dydale Road, Taw Hill, was recorded travelling eastbound near junction 19 in September 2025, when he was caught breaking the speed limit.

 Amenebede avoided a driving disqualification and he was fined £230.

 He was also handed three penalty points and he was ordered to pay a surcharge of £92.

 In a separate case, a Wiltshire motorist was disqualified from driving for six months after being caught travelling at 67mph during a temporary 50mph restriction on a stretch of the M4 between junctions 18 and 19.

 Fernando Rodrigues, 56, of Gloucester Road, Trowbridge, pleaded guilty to exceeding a variable speed limit at Bath Law Courts on January 13.

 Magistrates also imposed a £320 fine alongside the driving ban.

 Confusion has been made worse by concerns over faulty speed camera systems. In early 2026, it emerged that some National Highways cameras on the M4 may have been enforcing limits before signs had fully updated, leading to thousands of potentially incorrect fines dating back several years.

The Department for Transport ordered an independent review, with some drivers now in line for refunds or points being removed.

 There has also been wider public debate about whether drivers spot the signage clearly enough — especially at night or in heavy traffic — and whether enforcement feels disproportionate when motorists are travelling close to motorway speeds rather than racing.

Authorities maintain that variable speed cameras are essential for traffic flow and safety, but the volume of prosecutions suggests many drivers still underestimate how closely these limits are monitored.

There were steam days across the Easter weekend, giving visitors the chance to ride the trains at the heritage centre next to Didcot Parkway rail station.

The next steam days take place on Saturday, April 18 and Saturday, April 25.

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A spokesman for the centre said: “Steam trains will be operating on at least one of the centre’s two demonstration lines, allowing you to take unlimited rides.

“On many steam days, the second line will be running too and may feature a pioneering diesel railcar, a heritage diesel locomotive or a small branch line steam engine.”

Other attractions at the 21-acre centre include a museum, a cafe, a shop and an engine shed.

Jenny Lange was among the visitors during the Easter weekend.

Her retro outfit included a coat by Mary Magdalene, a hat by Jane Marple, and a bag by ‘Baby, the Stars Shine Bright’.

The compartment she travelled in was No 7372, built in 1948, which was part of the royal train used by the Queen Mother in the 1960s.

Frank Dumbleton, a volunteer at the centre, has been taking photos of visitors with the steam trains.