Rapist used dating apps to attack and blackmail vulnerable women.

Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Fraud, Sexual Offenses

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison with an additional four years extended licence following a number of fraud and sexual offenses.

Jack Lister, of Landseer Drive in Downham Market, appeared in Norwich Crown Court on March 3, 2022, after pleading guilty to fraud, making and possessing indecent images, and blackmail. He was previously found guilty by a jury of rape and sexual assault in January.

The charges stem from incidents between March 2020 and November 2020, where Lister created fake accounts on online dating apps. He contacted six women, some of whom agreed to meet him. Lister would then deceive the women into sending him money, using fabricated scenarios. He would establish personal relationships with the victims and persuade them to send intimate images and videos. He would then use this material to blackmail them into sending him more money.

On December 18, 2020, police received a report alleging that Lister had raped a 20-year-old woman in Thetford Forest after meeting her through an online dating app. Following an extensive investigation, officers identified another victim, aged 19, who disclosed that she had also been raped by Lister in Thetford Forest in August 2020.

During the investigation, police searched Lister's mobile phone and discovered numerous indecent images and extreme pornography. Lister was arrested on August 4, 2021, and subsequently charged with rape, fraud, sexual assault, making indecent images of children, and possession of extreme pornography.

Investigating officer DC James Smith stated: "Lister's actions will have a lasting impact on the victims, who have shown tremendous bravery in coming forward and giving evidence in court. I would like to thank them for their courage and strength in supporting this prosecution, and I hope today's sentence will offer some closure to all of those affected by his actions."

DI Richard Weller added: "I hope this case demonstrates that Norfolk Police will do whatever we can to bring offenders who victimize women in this way to justice. I wish to pay tribute to the team of detectives who did an outstanding job in successfully building this case for the victims."