Laurence rafter, 43, convicted following met police investigation
A 43-year-old man from Barnet has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after he was found guilty of removing a condom without consent during sex, in what has been described as a predatory and premeditated attack.
Laurence Rafter, of Bittacy Hill, Barnet, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 28th February, where he was sentenced following his conviction in October 2024. The jury delivered a unanimous verdict, finding him guilty of rape and related offences. Rafter had also pleaded guilty to harassment against the same victim last year.
Victim targeted through dating app and deceived by alias
The court heard that Rafter targeted a 32-year-old woman via a dating app on 15th July 2021, using the false identity of “Jay Lincoln”. After chatting online, the pair agreed to meet at the victim’s home in Islington.
During the encounter, Rafter raped the victim and deliberately removed the condom without her consent, despite her making it clear that protection was required. As he left, he lied to the victim, falsely claiming to be HIV positive in what prosecutors described as a cruel and calculated act of psychological abuse.
The traumatised victim reported the assault to the Metropolitan Police, who launched an immediate investigation.
Distinctive tattoo helped police identify rafter
Detectives were able to track down and identify Rafter after recognising a distinctive tattoo on his arm, which had been previously recorded during a past arrest. This matched photos that he had sent to the victim during their online conversations, providing crucial evidence in the case.
Further inquiries revealed a high level of premeditation, with Rafter going to great lengths to conceal his true identity. He had:
- Created an alias and set up a false address
- Forged bank statements and a driving licence under a fake name
- Used a disposable ‘pre-paid’ mobile phone to avoid police detection
- Falsely claimed to live in a multi-million-pound property in a prestigious area of London
In reality, Rafter was an HGV driver who lived in a small flat, far from the lavish lifestyle he pretended to have.
History of predatory behaviour and previous convictions
The court also heard that Rafter had a history of predatory behaviour towards women. In February 2022, he was jailed for six months after admitting to malicious communications and threats to disclose private images relating to two separate victims.
- In both cases, he had used fake online identities to meet women
- He became abusive and threatening via text messages
- He pressured the victims into sending explicit images and threatened to distribute them
Despite his previous conviction, Rafter continued his pattern of predatory behaviour, ultimately leading to the 2021 assault for which he has now been jailed.
Sentencing and police response
Following his conviction in October 2024, Rafter was ordered to serve 14 years in prison. He must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who led the investigation, commended the courage of the victim, whose testimony played a crucial role in securing justice.
“I would like to commend this survivor for the bravery she demonstrated in this case and the evidence she provided. The robust sentence delivered by the judge clearly demonstrates the significant danger that this man poses to women.”
DCI Ridley also praised the relentless work of the Met Police investigation team, stating:
“The investigation team carried out an expansive, diligent and relentless investigation to identify Rafter and secured the evidence to bring him to justice, ensuring that the victim was supported throughout.”
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He further described Rafter as a “predatory offender” who used social media and deception to lure and manipulate his victims.
“Rafter is a predatory offender who exploited social media to facilitate his violent and abusive behaviour. He devised a fictitious profile, posing as a wealthy businessman with multiple businesses around the world, in a calculated campaign to violate, threaten, and harm the women he met.”
Police urge more victims to come forward
Detectives believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward. The Met Police are urging anyone with information about Rafter’s past behaviour to contact them immediately.
Anyone with concerns or relevant information can reach the police by calling 101, quoting reference 1824/15JUL21, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
With Rafter now behind bars, authorities hope this conviction will send a strong message that such predatory behaviour will not be tolerated and that victims will be supported in seeking justice.
