Former Surrey officer imprisoned for 11 years after being found guilty of rape

A former Surrey Police officer was sentenced to 11 years behind bars at Lewes Crown Court today (13 January), after being found guilty of two counts of rape between 1994 and 2000 following a four-day trial.

Derek Winston Seekings, 66, of Southern Way, Farnborough, who retired from the Force in 2005, was charged with the offences in July 2019. Both offences took place in Surrey against one woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

One of the offences took place during his meal break while he was on duty, with the other taking place off duty. 

Seekings, who retired as a sergeant after 32 years’ service, was originally charged with seven offences of rape but his indictment was subsequently amended to two counts - count 1 for a specific occasion and count 2 for the time period after count 1. 

Detective Constable Becky Thomson, who investigated the case, said: “The fact that Seekings is now facing life in prison for the next 11 years reflects the severity of his offending and the trauma and anguish he inflicted on his victim. Judge Stephen Mooney also said Seekings had betrayed his role as a police officer by what he had done.

“Seekings was a controlling sexual perpetrator who wouldn’t take no for an answer, and subjected his victim to sexual abuse over a six year period.

“Understandably, she has been left extremely traumatised by the ordeal she has suffered and I want to commend her for her bravery in coming forward and giving evidence in court. I hope that the fact Seekings is now behind bars will give her some closure and help her move on with her life.

“I would encourage anyone who has suffered a similar experience to come forward and report it – we always take any allegation seriously and will always ensure that they are thoroughly investigated.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Alison Barlow said: “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.”

T/ACC Barlow added: “I would like to praise the victim for her courage in coming forward and re-living her ordeal in court. I would also like to commend DC Thomson and her team for the excellent investigation which was carried out and ensured Seekings was brought to justice.”

Speaking after the sentencing, the victim said: “The support I was given by Surrey Police throughout the investigation gave me the strength to see this case through and I would urge anyone who has been the victim of a similar offence to come forward and report it.”

If the public has any concerns about the behaviour of officers or staff, they can report information by contacting our Anti-Corruption Unit, which works to both investigate officers as well exonerate them, by calling 999 in an emergency, or emailing [email protected]

For advice and information about support available if you have been the victim of rape or sexual abuse, please click here https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/