A retired Surrey Police sergeant has been handed an 11-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of raping a woman on two occasions.

Former Surrey Police Sergeant Sentenced for Rapes Committed During His Time in the Force

Derek Winston Seekings, 66, of Southern Way in Farnborough, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for two counts of rape committed between 1994 and 2000. Seekings, who retired from the force in 2005, was originally charged with seven counts of rape but the indictment was amended to two counts before trial.

One of the attacks took place during Seekings' meal break while on duty, the other occurred while he was off duty. Both attacks were committed against a woman who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Seekings was found guilty of the charges on January 8, 2021, following a four-day trial. He was sentenced on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at Lewes Crown Court. The court heard how Seekings' not guilty plea had caused the victim "panic attacks" and "many dark moments".

In his final remarks, Judge Stephen Mooney noted the victim has suffered "severe psychological harm" as a result of the attacks and said he would be treating Seekings' role in the police force as an aggravating factor. "His actions were a breach of the public's trust in him," Judge Mooney stated.

Seekings was sentenced to nine years for one count of rape, with half to be served behind bars. He can then be released on licence but will be liable to recall. For the second count of rape, Seekings received a nine-year sentence, which will run concurrently to the first. He will also be on the sex offenders register for life.

Following the sentencing, Seekings was led down to the cells below.