Life sentence for serial rapist who ‘degraded’ two victims

A convicted rapist who was found guilty of attacking another two women after a five-year Met investigation has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 18 years.

Darrel Rose, 36, of no fixed address – formerly of New Addington, Croydon – was sentenced on Monday at Croydon Crown Court, following a three-week trial.

He was found guilty on May 30 at the same court of seven counts of rape – three against one victim and four against another – assault by penetration, and of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Detectives from the Met’s Public Protection Unit spent five years bringing Rose to justice. He is currently serving a 17-year jail sentence after being sentenced for rape on February 2, 2018 after raping a different woman.

The court heard how, during the previous investigation, a further victim came forward to police after she realised the same thing had happened to her.

Detectives also approached another victim, who had previously reported a rape claim against Rose but withdrew her allegation through fear of Rose. They worked with her to re-open the case.

Between December 1, 2010 and February 28, 2011, at an address in Sydenham, the victim was viciously sexually assaulted by Rose.

The victim reported the attacks to police after Rose placed nude photographs of her online. She later withdrew her allegation through fear in July 2011.

Between July 1 and July 31, 2011 Rose also raped the victim at an address in Luton. The victim reported this to police in November 2017 and officers worked with her to ensure Rose was charged on August 5, 2020.

The second victim, a woman in her 20s, was raped at an address outside of London and again on a number of occasions during this period, between December 1, 2015 and May 30, 2016. She reported the attacks to police on July 27, 2017.

Detective Sergeant Laura Thomas, from the Met’s South Area Public Protection Unit, said: “Darrel Rose treated both victims in a derogatory and degrading way. He was both emotionally and physically abusive and this sentence reflects the horror he put his victims through.

“Both victims have shown great bravery and courage in standing up to Rose and ensuring he is made to answer for his actions. I would like to praise the strength and commitment they have shown throughout this case.”

Pictured top: Darrel Rose, who is already serving time for rape of a third victim (Picture: The Met)