A comprehensive inquiry by the Metropolitan Police sexual offences unit has resulted in the incarceration of Craig Dorney, who exploited a young woman following a night out in south-east London.
Craig Dorney, 35 (22.01.89) of Duncombe Hill, Lewisham, received a seven-year prison sentence at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, 12 December, for rape and two charges of sexual assault.
The court was informed that the 27-year-old victim-survivor had taken a taxi to Lewisham shortly before 02:00 hours on Saturday, June 29, when she saw Craig Dorney, who was exiting another cab.
Following their conversation, Craig Dorney perpetrated assault and rape against her before she could escape to contact law enforcement.
The victim-survivor recorded a portion of the attack on her phone, documenting their conversation, which provided crucial evidence in the case constructed by detectives against Dorney.
Craig Dorney was apprehended within 24 hours.
The inquiry was conducted by specialised local officials who assisted the victim-survivor in recounting her experience.
The team diligently constructed a case against Craig Dorney by scrutinising CCTV footage and collecting forensic and medical evidence, including his clothing, bedding, phone records, and taxi receipts.
Detectives acquired crucial witness statements from acquaintances and the two taxi drivers who transported the defendant and victim-survivor on the night of the assault.
Craig Dorney was charged with rape and two counts of sexual assault on Sunday, 28 July.
He appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, 2 December and was found guilty on Friday, 6 December 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.
“Craig 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.”
The Met is committed to radically improving how it protects the public from harm, especially the violence women and girls suffer, as part of its New Met for London strategy.
The Met is putting extra people into specialist teams to prioritise this critical work and target offenders, with officers and staff working more closely with partners across London to protect victim-survivors and bring offenders to justice.
Police are aiming to do much more to identify and tackle the most dangerous and prolific perpetrators of Violence Against Women and Girls, identifying high risk and high harm locations, and making better use of police powers to protect women and girls from perpetrators.
Find out more on how to report a rape or sexual assault here. Always call 999 in an emergency.
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
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.