PRINCE DARKWA SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN SURREY

A man from Surrey, identified as Prince Darkwa, has been sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison after being found guilty of raping two women he met through the dating application Tinder. The incident and subsequent conviction highlight the disturbing pattern of predatory behavior displayed by Darkwa, who targeted vulnerable victims through online platforms.

Darkwa, aged 26 and residing on Yeomans Lane, Blackwater, Camberley, was brought before Guildford Crown Court to face charges stemming from two separate assaults against two different women. After an intensive eight-day trial, the court delivered its verdict on 17 May, finding Darkwa guilty of two counts of rape, but acquitted him of a third allegation involving a different woman.

The court proceedings revealed that Darkwa first met both women via online dating apps in October 2021. The first victim reported that she had met Darkwa on Tinder, and within minutes of their meeting, he committed an assault at her residence. She later confided in a friend through text messages, expressing her concern about Darkwa’s behavior immediately after the incident. This woman contacted police, and Darkwa was arrested on 6 October 2021. He was subsequently questioned and released the following day.

However, the frightening pattern continued. On 5 November 2021, detectives received another report of rape involving a second victim. She stated that she had been out for dinner with Darkwa on 18 October 2021. During the evening, Darkwa insisted on accompanying her home, and the two began drinking together. The victim recalled that she gradually lost consciousness, awakening later to find Darkwa smiling at her and touching her face. She was bleeding and was experiencing severe pain. Her reluctance to come forward initially stemmed from her uncertainty about whether her recollections were accurate, as she had been unconscious during the assault.

The investigation, led by Detective Constable Alastair Bagshaw of the Sexual Offences Investigation Team (SOIT), painted a grim picture of Darkwa as a sexual predator. He was described as someone who deliberately targeted women on dating sites with the intent of meeting up for sex, regardless of consent. The detective emphasized that the defendant’s notion of consent was irrelevant to him, underlining the malicious intent behind his actions. The lengthy and comprehensive investigation concluded with Darkwa’s conviction, and the authorities expressed satisfaction that he would now be unable to harm others.

Speaking about the case, Detective Constable Bagshaw highlighted the bravery of the victims who initially hesitated to report their assaults but ultimately chose to come forward and support the legal process. He praised their courage and reiterated the police’s commitment to thorough investigations. Furthermore, Detective Inspector Mark Butterworth of SOIT commended the rapid pace and coordination of the casework, which led to Darkwa’s conviction within a six-month timeframe. He underscored that the police are dedicated to ensuring justice for victims and that online platforms do not provide a safe haven for offenders.

The prosecution, represented by Sally Lakin from the Crown Prosecution Service, condemned Darkwa’s manipulative behavior. She described him as demonstrating a horrifying pattern of entitlement and control, consciously manipulating his victims for sexual gratification. Lakin pointed out that Darkwa’s awareness of his actions and the non-consensual nature of the encounters did not deter him; he was aware that his conduct was illegal and unethical. Despite this, his victims showed remarkable bravery in reporting their assaults, which enabled the prosecution to secure a conviction.

Sentencing reflected the severity of Darkwa’s offenses. He received a sentence of six years for the assault committed on 5 October 2021, to be served concurrently, alongside a lengthier sentence of 12 years with an extended license period of four years for the second offense on 18 October 2021. This extended sentence includes provisions requiring Darkwa to satisfy a parole board before potential release. Additionally, he was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a Restraining Order targeting both victims, which will remain in effect indefinitely. Darkwa must also register as a sex offender for life, emphasizing the long-term consequences of his criminal actions.

Overall, the case underscores the importance of victim bravery, rigorous police work, and the ongoing need to address online grooming and sexual offenses. The authorities hope that the detention of Darkwa will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider exploiting online platforms for predatory purposes, and that justice has ultimately been served in this troubling case.