A lorry driver has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after removing his condom during intercourse without his partner’s consent and later falsely claiming to be HIV positive.
Laurence Rafter, 43, from Barnet, north London, connected with the 32-year-old victim through a dating app in July 2021, using the alias “Jay Lincoln.” They arranged to meet at the woman’s residence in Islington, where he disregarded her request to wear a condom and assaulted her.
As he left the address, he told her he was HIV positive, which was later revealed to be a lie.
Rafter was found to have set up a false address and bank statement, as well as using a pre-paid mobile in an attempt to avoid police detection.
He also claimed to live in a multi-million-pound house, but in reality was living in a flat.
A jury found him guilty of rape in October, and he also pleaded guilty to harassing the victim.
In February 2022, he pleaded guilty to malicious communications and threats to disclose a private image towards two separate victims.
Rafter had also used a fake name and had met the woman online, becoming threatening toward them after meeting them.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley said: “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 dangerousness that this man poses to women.”
“The investigation team carried out an expansive, diligent, and relentless investigation to identify Rafter and secure the evidence to bring him to justice, ensuring that the victim was supported throughout.”
“Rafter is a predatory offender who exploited social media to facilitate his violent and abusive behavior. 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.”
