DEREK SEEKINGS, FORMER SURREY POLICE SERGEANT, SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS IN FARNBOROUGH FOR RAPE IN SURREY

In a significant case that has shocked the local community, Derek Winston Seekings, a 66-year-old former police officer from Surrey, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years at Lewes Crown Court. The conviction follows a four-day trial during which Seekings was found guilty of committing two separate counts of rape against a single female victim, with the incidents occurring between 1994 and 2000.

Seekings, who resided on Southern Way in Farnborough and retired from the Surrey Police Force in 2005 after serving for 32 years, faced serious allegations that surfaced after an investigation initiated in July 2019. The charges stemmed from incidents that took place in Surrey, involving a woman whose identity remains protected for legal reasons.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Jennifer Gray emphasized the aggravating nature of the case, highlighting that Seekings was a serving police officer at the time of the first offence. She pointed out that the first incident occurred while Seekings was on duty, which added a layer of severity to the crime. Gray stated, “A clearly aggravating factor was the fact that the defendant was a serving police officer at the time, and count one took place while the defendant was on duty.”

The victim’s testimony was a central part of the trial, with Gray recounting that the woman made it explicitly clear to Seekings that she did not want to engage in sexual activity. Despite her clear refusal, Seekings continued his actions, ultimately raping her. The prosecutor described the victim’s stance during the encounter, emphasizing her resistance and her clear communication of her unwillingness.

Initially, Seekings faced charges of seven counts of rape. However, the indictment was later amended, reducing the number of charges to two. The first count related to a specific occasion, while the second covered a period following the first incident. The court’s decision to convict Seekings reflects the gravity of his actions and the breach of trust inherent in his position as a police officer. His sentencing marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to address misconduct within law enforcement and uphold justice for victims of sexual assault.