Croydon Man Jailed for Rape of Two Teen Girls Met on Dating App
Nathan Catherall, 26, from Croydon, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for horrendous sex crimes against two teenage women. The attacks took place in 2020 and 2021 after he met his victims through a dating app.
Victims Speak Out on Harrowing Abuse
His victims, aged 18 and 19 at the time, endured horrific trauma. Catherall was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration at Bristol Crown Court. The women bravely recounted their terror and emotional suffering during the trial.
“Sometimes I feel numb thinking about what has happened. I managed to suppress my emotions for so long, avoiding the pain,” one victim said anonymously. “In that moment, I lost my sense of strength and power. I was utterly scared.”
Hope for Healing Amidst the Horror
The same victim expressed a desire to recover and forgive herself. “I hope I can learn to forgive myself for being so hard on myself after you raped me. I want to treat my body better during this healing process,” she said. She emphasised her determination to love herself despite the trauma inflicted.
Sentence and Strong Judge’s Rebuke
Recorder Kate Brunner KC slammed Catherall’s “worrying attitude of entitlement” and “absolute lack of insight” into his actions during sentencing on June 27. She praised the victims for their immense strength and courage in facing the ordeal.
Officer Condemns Rape Myths, Praises Victims’ Bravery
Detective Ellen Rye stressed that “no means no” in any form—verbal or otherwise—and blasted Catherall for ignoring this essential truth. She praised the victims’ bravery in speaking out, urging society to reject rape myths and stand behind survivors.
