Laurence Rafter, of Bittacy Hill, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday (February 28), where he was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment.
The 43-year-old was convicted at the same court on October 18, 2024, for all offences in a unanimous verdict by the jury.
He had also pleaded guilty last year to harassment against the same victim.
The court heard that on July 15, 2021, the 32-year-old survivor was contacted by the defendant on a dating app.
He posed as a man called ‘Jay Lincoln’ and met the victim at her home address in Islington.
The defendant then proceeded to rape the victim who specifically requested the defendant wear a condom, despite him repeatedly requesting not to wear one.
As he left the address, he stated that he was HIV Positive which was later revealed to be a lie.
The victim reported the incident to the Met who launched an immediate investigation.
Detectives were able to identify Rafter through a distinctive tattoo on his arm recorded by police on a previous arrest.
The tattoo matched photos he had sent to the victim in this case.
Investigations revealed that Rafter carefully planned his crimes.
He created a fake identity, used a false address and bank statement, and bought a disposable prepaid phone to avoid being caught by the police.
His false driving licence included a pseudonym, and he claimed to live in a prosperous area of London in a multi-million-pound house.
In reality he was employed as an HGV driver and lived in a flat.
The court also heard that the defendant was previously known for sexual predatory behaviour towards women.
In February 2022 he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to malicious communications and threats to disclose a private image relating to two separate victims.
In those cases, he also posed online using an alias, met the women and subsequently became abusive and threatening towards both women via text messages as well as demanding explicit images.
After appearing in court on Friday, February 28 Rafter was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
He was ordered to serve two thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
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 secured 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 behaviour.
“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.”
