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TAXI ATTACK

Predator raped woman who tried to help him out of taxi – but was snared when brave victim recorded attack on her phone

Dorney was tracked down 24 hours after the attack
Mugshot of Craig Dorney, wanted for breaching bail conditions.

A PREDATOR who raped a young woman after she helped him get out a taxi has been jailed after she recorded the attack on her phone.

Craig Dorney, 35, attacked the 27-year-old victim in an alleyway after she offered to help him get home.

The woman had enjoyed a night out with friends when she took a taxi to Lewisham, South East London, in the early hours of June 29.

She helped a drunken Dorney out the cab before splashing water on his face and offering him help to get home.

But after the two spoke, Dorney assaulted and raped her before she could get away to call police.

However, the brave victim was able to capture part of the horror assault on her phone.

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She recorded part of a conversation the pair had, leading to his arrest the day after the attack.

The police probe included trawling through CCTV and gathering both forensic and medical evidence from Dorney's clothing, bedding, phone and taxi receipts

Dorney was subsequently charged with rape and two counts of sexual assault.

He was found guilty of all offences last week.

Dorney, of Lewisham, was jailed for seven years at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday.

Detective Constable James Hart, who led the investigation for the Met, said:  "We hope this sentence brings some level of justice for the victim-survivor who bravely came forward and helped us catch her perpetrator in what must have been extremely distressing circumstances.

"We’d like to thank the victim-survivor for providing vital evidence at the start of our investigation, as well as the other witnesses who provided statements. 

"Dorney is a sexual predator who targeted a vulnerable woman and I hope this case proves the Met is determined to tackle violence against women and girls, which has a significant and lasting impact on victim-survivors."

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.

Craig Dorney has been jailed for seven years
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Craig Dorney has been jailed for seven yearsCredit: MET Police
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