Former Surrey Police sergeant jailed for rape while on duty
He left the force in 2005 and was today (13 January) sentenced
Last updated 13th Jan 2021
A former Surrey Police sergeant who raped a woman while on duty has been given an 11 year prison sentence.
Derek Seekings of Southern Way, Farnborough appeared in court today (13 January) after being convicted of two counts of rape last week.
One of the offences took place during his meal break while he was on duty, with the other taking place off duty.
The court heard how the 66-year-old, who retired from Surrey Police in 2005, inflicted "severe psychological harm'' on his victim.
In a statement read out at Lewes Crown Court, the woman described the impact the attacks had on her:
"I am nervous of phone numbers I do not know or when someone is unexpectedly at the door.''
She said the trial process had been "harrowing''.
Seekings' trial also heard that he was suspended from duty for a number of months and demoted to PC in the late 1990s following a car accident which led to a driving conviction.
Judge Stephen Mooney told Seekings:
"I acknowledge that prison will be difficult for you both as an ex-police officer and the current conditions''.
Prosecutor Jennifer Gray said the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was left "very upset and distressed about what had gone on''.
"Derek Seekings left Surrey Police some 12 years before these allegations were reported to us but the offences were committed while he was still a serving police officer.
“We expect extremely high standards of behaviour from our officers and staff, standards which Seekings fell woefully below – his behaviour was simply reprehensible.
“A thorough and robust investigation was carried out as soon as we became aware of the allegations against him and we will always fully investigate any complaints if they are made against our staff, whether retired or serving.
“I want to reassure our communities that his actions are not indicative of policing nor the high standards we expect at Surrey Police and sadly detracts from the dedication our workforce show day in and day out in serving the public.
“I would like to praise the victim for her courage in coming forward and re-living her ordeal in court."
If the public has any concerns about the behaviour of police officers or staff, they can report information by contacting Surrey Police's Anti-Corruption Unit by calling 999 in an emergency or emailing AntiCorruption@surrey.pnn.police.uk