Man jailed for rape of young woman after night out

A man who took advantage of a young woman after a night out has been jailed. 

Craig Dorney, 35, of Duncombe Hill, Lewisham, was sentenced to seven years in prison for rape and two counts of sexual assault at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday.

The court heard the 27-year-old victim had taken a taxi to Lewisham, just before 2am on June 29, when she met Dorney who was getting out of another cab. 

After the two spoke, Dorney assaulted and raped her before she could get away to call police. 

The victim managed to capture part of the assault on her phone by taking a video to record their conversation, which became a key part of evidence in the case detectives built against Dorney.

Dorney was identified and arrested within 24 hours of the assault. 

Cops built an investigation against Dorney by trawling through CCTV, and gathering forensic and medical evidence, such as Dorney’s clothing, bedding and phone and taxi receipts. 

Detectives also obtained key witness statements from friends, as well as the two taxi drivers that had driven the suspect and victim on the night of the assault. 

Dorney was charged with rape and two counts of sexual assault on July 28.

He appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on December 2, and was found guilty on December 6, of all three offences.

Detective Constable James Hart, who led the investigation for the Met, said:  “We hope this sentence brings some level of justice for the victim-survivor who bravely came forward and helped us catch her perpetrator in what must have been extremely distressing circumstances. 

“We’d like to thank the victim-survivor for providing vital evidence at the start of our investigation, as well as the other witnesses who provided statements.  

“Dorney is a sexual predator who targeted a vulnerable woman and I hope this case proves the Met is determined to tackle violence against women and girls, which has a significant and lasting impact on victim-survivors.”

If you’ve been a victim of rape or sexual assault, charities and support agencies can offer help and guidance:  Rape Crisis: 08085002222    / National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 9999   / Survivors UK: 0203 598 3898 info@survivorsuk.org / Samaritans: 116 123 jo@samaritans.org  

Poicutred top: Craig Dorney has been sentenced to seven years in prison for rape and two counts of sexual assault (Picture: The Met)