Rafter’s dark secret: The fake millionaire who preyed on women jailed 14 years

A Metropolitan Police investigation has led to a lengthy prison sentence for Laurence Rafter, 43, who was convicted of sexual offences, including removing a condom without consent.

Rafter was sentenced to 14 years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 28 February, following his conviction in October 2024.

He had also previously pleaded guilty to harassment against the same victim.

According to the Met Police, the court heard that on 15 July, 2021, the 32-year-old victim met Rafter through a dating app, where he used the false identity “Jay Lincoln.”

He visited the victim’s home in Islington and, despite her insistence on condom use, removed it during sex without her consent.

As he left, he falsely claimed to be HIV positive, further distressing the victim.

An immediate police investigation was launched, with detectives from the Public Protection Serious Sexual Offences Team identifying Rafter through a distinctive tattoo visible in photos he had sent to the victim.

Further inquiries uncovered an elaborate scheme designed to conceal his identity, including the use of a fake name, false address, prepaid mobile phone, and fraudulent documents.

He posed as a wealthy businessman with a multi-million-pound home, whereas in reality, he was an HGV driver living in a flat.

The court was also told of Rafter’s previous offences. In February 2022, he was sentenced to six months in prison for malicious communications and threats to disclose private images involving two other victims.

He had similarly used false identities online to lure women before becoming abusive and demanding explicit images.

Following his latest conviction, Rafter has been ordered to serve at least two-thirds of his 14-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley praised the victim for her courage and commended the investigative team for their relentless pursuit of justice.

“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,” Ridley said.