Serial rapist who attacked 14-year-old nearly 20 years ago is jailed after DNA breakthrough led to his conviction
A serial rapist who attacked a 14-year-old boy almost two decades ago has been jailed after a DNA breakthrough led to his conviction.
Donald Kargbo-Reffell raped his victim in Bedford in March 2006. He is already serving a 12-year prison sentence for another rape he committed in 1999.
The 2006 case was reopened as part of Operation Painter, an investigation led by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Investigate non-recent sex crimes, using new technology and forensics.
The court heard he convinced the victim to come with him to a friend’s flat and attacked her alcohol before raping her.
Kargbo-Reffell, 55, was found guilty at Luton Crown Court in February and sentenced to 19 years in prison on June 6.
Donald Kargbo-Reffell (pictured) raped his victim in Bedford in March 2006. He is already serving a 12-year prison sentence for a rape he committed in 1999.
Luton Crown Court where Kargbo-Reffell was sentenced to 19 years in prison on June 6 (stock image)
The serial rapist faces deportation at the end of his sentence and is on the sex offenders register for life.
He is also not allowed to have contact with children under the age of 18.
The victim of the attack was praised by the judge for her courage.
In a statement to the court, she said: ‘His actions have had a huge impact on my life, destroying my mental and physical health.
“Destroying my reputation, the trust I have in other people, the relationships with family members and partners, stealing the last part of my youth that I should have enjoyed as a young teenager, becoming an adult.”
Chief Inspector Emma Pitts, head of public protection at Bedfordshire Police, said: “I am pleased that Kargbo-Reffell has been convicted of this predatory and calculated attack.
‘He knew exactly what he was doing: he targeted a vulnerable girl and thought he could get away with it.
‘The way we respond has really advanced since this attack, both in terms of improved technology and how we tackle this type of sexual abuse.
“No one deserves to suffer, and I hope this case shows that we will leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for the victims.”
“I hope it sends the message that we will always support the victims, and that when you are ready to press charges, we are here for you.”
