PCC calls for new awareness to guide sex victims caught in `darkest alley` of internet dating

A police and crime commissioner (PCC) is urging forces, specialist crime agencies and website experts to ramp up security and safety as a sexual predator starts a life sentence for raping and attacking seven women he met on the UK`s most popular lonely hearts site.

Derbyshire PCC Alan Charles warned the internet “can be the darkest alley of all” as the popularity of dating websites means it is essential people are aware of advice and support that is out there if a crime occurs.

The serious dangers of internet dating were highlighted as ex-company director Jason Lawrance targeted thousands of users of Match.com, the world`s largest introduction service.

Lawrance attacked seven people he met through Match but even though four of the women reported him for sexually violent behaviour the website took no action.

The 50-year-old, formerly from Burbage in Leicestershire, committed three attacks months after marrying his wife who he met via the site.

The assaults took place between June 2011 and November 2014 in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire.

Lawrance, a self-employed builder, was found guilty on Wednesday (March 2) of five counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault following a two-week trial at Derby Crown Court.

Only last month the National Crime Agency warned that internet date rape cases had soared six-fold in five years. It recorded 184 allegations in 2014 compared with 33 in 2009.

Police accept the shocking case should be a “wake-up call” for dating websites – on which more than nine million Britons are reported to have logged on looking for a partner — as to how they deal with rogue customers.

And trial judge Gregory Dickinson, who imposed a 12 and a half year minimum term on Lawrance, raised concerns when he asked prosecutors to examine the standards of supervision on dating sites, adding: “I would like to see if lessons can be learned on the use of such sites.”

After the verdict, Mr Charles said: “Personal safety advice used to incorporate avoiding walking alone down dark alleys at night, but the internet can be the darkest alley of all.

“The popularity of any website where personal information is required does raise the question of security and more needs to be done to keep people aware of the dangers.”

He added: “This is a truly shocking case in so many ways and the courage of the victims in helping to secure this conviction should be applauded.

“The police, specialist crime agencies and website experts must really focus hard on improving security and safety nets in all areas of internet usage.

“The outcome of the trial also highlights that Derbyshire Constabulary will treat allegations of sexual violence seriously, investigate thoroughly and treat the victims with sensitivity and respect.

“I`m aware of the excellence of the victim care provided in Derbyshire and hope that this verdict will encourage anyone else unfortunate enough to be a victim to come forward and report such attacks and help to stop the potential for a series of offences by the same person.”

Detective Chief Inspector Allison Rigby, who led the investigation for Derbyshire Police, said: “He utilised Match as a means to target females who were divorced or widowed.

“I hope this case will give dating websites the opportunity to revisit their own procedures for dealing with complaints received about particular members.

“I would urge them to make sure processes are in place and are robust.”

Detectives believe Lawrance — a 17-stone former rugby coach and amateur boxer — targeted widowed or vulnerable women.

They suspect other victims may be suffering in silence, suggesting the true number of his victims could be much higher, and urged other women to come forward if they were attacked by him.

Det Chief Insp Rigby added: “Only Jason Lawrance will know how many people he has sexually assaulted. It is possible there are others out there.”

It is not k