Serial rapist who attacked a 14-year-old girl nearly 20 years ago is sentenced to prison after DNA breakthrough

A serial rapist who attacked a 14-year-old girl nearly 20 years ago has been sentenced to prison after a DNA breakthrough.

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 into more recent sexual offences carried out by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Serious Crime Unit, using new technology and forensic testing.

The court heard that he persuaded the victim to go with him to a friend’s flat and plied her with 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.

The serial rapist faces deportation after completing his prison sentence and will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

He is also prohibited from having contact with children under the age of 18.

The judge praised the victim of the attack for his courage.

In a statement to the court, she said: “His actions have had a massive impact on my life, he has destroyed my mental and physical health.”

“They destroyed my reputation, the trust I had in other people, my relationships with family members and partners. They robbed me of the last part of my childhood that I should have been able to enjoy as a young teenager and on the way to adulthood.”

Detective Superintendent Emma Pitts, Head of Public Protection at Bedfordshire Police, said: “I am delighted that Kargbo-Reffell has been convicted of this predatory and calculated attack.”

“He knew exactly what he was doing: he was targeting a defenseless girl and thought he could get away with it.”

“Since that attack, our response has evolved significantly, both in terms of improving technology and the way we deal with this type of sexual abuse.

“No one deserves to suffer and I hope this case shows that we will leave no stone unturned to seek justice for the victims.”

“I hope it sends a message that we will continue to support victims and that we are here for you if you are ready to report.”