Laurence Rafter, a 43-year-old lorry driver from Barnet, North London, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after removing his condom without consent during an encounter with a 32-year-old woman. Rafter, who had contacted the victim via a dating app in July 2021 under the false name “Jay Lincoln,” arranged to meet her at her Islington home.
During the encounter, the woman requested that he wear a condom, but he removed it midway without her consent. As he left, he falsely claimed to be HIV-positive. Further investigation revealed that Rafter had fabricated his identity, using a fake address and bank statement, and was living in a flat rather than the multi-million-pound house he claimed.
In October, Rafter was convicted of rape and also pleaded guilty to harassment. He had previously admitted to malicious communications and threats to disclose private images toward two separate victims in February 2022. Rafter’s behavior was part of a broader pattern of deceit and predatory actions online.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley praised the victim’s bravery and the investigative team, emphasizing the severity of Rafter’s actions and the significant danger he posed to women. Rafter exploited social media to create a fictitious identity and carried out a calculated campaign of abuse, harassment, and harm.