Darrel Rose
(Picture: Met Police)An already convicted rapist has been sentenced to a minimum of 18 years behind bars after being found guilty of raping two other women.
Darrel Rose, 36, was four years into a 17-year jail term – after being sentenced in February 2018 for raping a woman – when he was handed the new sentence this week.
The Met launched a fresh, five-year probe after another woman came forward to police during that previous investigation, reporting she too had been raped by Rose.
The victim, aged in her 20s, was raped a number of times at a property outside of London between December 2015 and June 2016. She reported the attacks to police in July 2017.
Detectives then approached another victim, who had previously reported being raped by Rose but had later withdrawn her allegation through fear of him.
The victim was viciously sexually assaulted by Rose between the beginning of December 2010, and late February 2011, at a property in Sydenham, Lewisham.
She reported the attacks to police after Rose published nude photographs of her online. She later withdrew her allegation through fear in July 2011.
That same month, Rose raped her at a property in Luton. She reported this to police in November 2017, and Rose was charged three years later in August 2020.
Following a lengthy investigation by police and a three-week trial, Rose, of no fixed address, was found guilty in May on seven counts of rape – three counts against one victim and four against the other.
He was also found guilty of assault by penetration, and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.
At Croydon Crown Court on Monday, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 18 years.
This sentence will ‘replace’ his previous sentence. He will be 56 before he is considered for release.
Det Sgt Laura Thomas, from the Met’s South Area Public Protection Unit, said: “Darrel Rose treated both victims in a derogatory and degrading way. He was both emotionally and physically abusive and this sentence reflects the horror he put his victims through.
“Both victims have shown great bravery and courage in standing up to Rose and ensuring he is made to answer for his actions. I would like to praise the strength and commitment they have shown throughout this case.”
Both victims continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
The Met urges any victims of sexual assault or rape, or anyone with information about Rose, to contact police on 101 or dial 999 in an emergency and quote reference CAD 9086/25MAR17
There are specially trained officers who will listen, provide support and investigate offences where appropriate.
