Barnet Predator Locked Up for 14 Years Over Stealthing Rape
A Barnet man has been slammed with a 14-year jail sentence after a chilling Metropolitan Police probe uncovered his predatory sexual offences. Laurence Rafter, 43, of Bittacy Hill, Barnet, was convicted of rape at Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 28, 2025.
Rafter secretly removed a condom without consent during sex, a vile act known as stealthing. He was unanimously found guilty at trial on October 18, 2024, and also admitted to harassing the same victim.
Deceptive Online Predator Used Fake Identity
The court heard how Rafter pretended to be “Jay Lincoln” on a dating app to bait his 32-year-old victim. On July 15, 2021, he visited her Islington home, repeatedly pressuring her to ditch protection. Despite her saying no, he stealthily took off the condom, then falsely claimed he was HIV positive as he left.
The victim bravely reported the assault, triggering an immediate police investigation and specialist support.
How Police Snagged the Monster
Detectives from the Public Protection Serious Sexual Offences Team pinned Rafter down through a distinctive arm tattoo linked to prior arrests. Their probe revealed his careful planning:
- Invented a fake alias and bogus addresses
- Created a bank statement matching his false identity
- Used disposable prepaid phones to dodge detection
- Wielded a fake driving licence listing a multi-million-pound address, while actually living in a flat and working as an HGV driver
Rafter’s Dark History of Sexual Crimes
Rafter was no stranger to crime, with a track record of targeting women online. In February 2022, he got six months behind bars after pleading guilty to malicious communications and threats to share private images of two different victims.
He’d used fake identities to lure women, turned abusive after meeting them, and demanded explicit photos under threat.
Justice Delivered: 14 Years Behind Bars
Rafter was sentenced to 14 years, with a minimum two-thirds to serve before parole. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley praised the victim’s courage:
“This was a calculated campaign to violate, threaten, and harm women. The robust sentence demonstrates the significant danger Rafter poses.”
“Our team worked tirelessly to identify and convict Rafter, ensuring the victim had full support throughout.”
Met Police Ramp Up Fight Against Violence on Women
The Metropolitan Police continue to prioritise tackling violence against women and girls with specialist Public Protection teams aiming to catch dangerous offenders and stop repeat crimes. They’re using enhanced powers to monitor high-risk individuals and keep London safer.
Where to Get Help
If you’re a victim of rape, sexual assault, or coercive control, there’s support out there. Report incidents and reach out:
- Rape Crisis: 0808 500 2222
- National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 9999
- Survivors UK: 0203 598 3898 | [email protected]
- Samaritans: 116 123 | [email protected]
In an emergency, always call 999.
This case starkly highlights the dangers lurking online and the vital role police play in bringing predators to justice.
