DEREK SEEKINGS SENTENCED IN FARNBOROUGH FOR HISTORIC RAPE OFFENCES
Derek Winston Seekings, aged 66 and residing on Southern Way in Farnborough, retired from the police force in 2005.He was formally charged with serious offences in July 2019.
On Wednesday, January 13, Judge Stephen Mooney delivered the sentencing at Lewes Crown Court.
Seekings was convicted of one count of rape, with half of the sentence to be served in custody before he is eligible for release on licence, subject to recall.
The judge sentenced him to nine years imprisonment for the second count of rape, with the two sentences to run concurrently.
Additionally, Seekings will be registered as a sex offender for life.
The offences occurred between 1994 and 2000 in Surrey and involved a female victim who cannot be identified due to legal restrictions.
One attack happened during Seekings’ meal break while he was still on duty, and the other took place while he was off duty.
Seekings was found guilty of both charges on January 8 following a four-day trial.
Surrey Police disclosed that Seekings, who served as a sergeant for 32 years before retiring, was initially charged with seven rape offences.
However, the indictment was later amended to reflect only two counts.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Jennifer Gray read a statement from the victim.
The statement detailed how Seekings’ initial not guilty plea caused her significant emotional distress, resulting in panic attacks and dark moments.
Ms Gray explained on behalf of the victim: "Every contact regarding the trial heightened my anxiety.
At times I thought I was suffering a cardiac event and thought I would not be able to continue." The court heard that one of the assaults took place while Seekings was on duty.
The victim stated, "She made it very clear to him she didn’t want to have sex with him, he carried on regardless and he raped her." After the incident, Seekings returned to his work duties.
It was also disclosed that Seekings was suspended from duty for several months and later demoted to police constable in the late 1990s following a car accident that resulted in a driving conviction.
Judge Mooney emphasized that Seekings’ role as a police officer was an aggravating factor, citing a breach of public trust.
In his sentencing remarks, he acknowledged the victim had suffered severe psychological harm due to the assaults.
When the sentence was announced, Seekings was still in the dock and was subsequently led down to the cells.
