‘Monster’ - Britain’s most prolific rapist is jailed
Police believe that Reynhard Sinaga targeted at least 190 victims
Britain's most prolific serial rapist was jailed for life yesterday after drugging at least 48 men and filming himself sexually assaulting them while they were unconscious.
Reynhard Sinaga was jailed for 60 years and must serve a minimum of 30 years in custody before he can be considered for parole.
Across four separate trials, he was found guilty of 136 counts of rape, eight counts of attempted rape, 14 counts of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration, against a total of 48 victims.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
However, police say they have evidence that the 36-year-old Indonesian national targeted at least 190 victims.
The court heard that he would wait for men leaving Manchester nightclubs and bars before leading them to his flat with an offer of somewhere to have a drink, charge their phone or call a taxi.
He then drugged them with GHB or other substances and assaulted them. When the victims woke up many of them had no memory of what had happened.
Sinaga, who denied the charges, insisted that the sexual activity was consensual and claimed that each man had agreed to being filmed while pretending to be asleep.
Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said Sinaga’s claims were “ludicrous,” adding that he “preyed upon young men” who wanted “nothing more than a good night out with their friends”.
She said the “scale” of Sinaga's offending meant it was “accurate” for one of his victims to have described him as a monster.
“In my judgment you are a highly dangerous, cunning and deceitful individual who will never be safe to be released,” she told him. The decision to release prisoners is made by the Parole Board.
Sinaga was caught in 2017 when one victim, who regained consciousness while being assaulted, fought him off and notified the police.
Ian Rushton, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the North West, described Sinaga as “the most prolific rapist in British legal history”.
He added: “His extreme sense of sexual entitlement almost defies belief and he would no doubt still be adding to his staggering tally had he not been caught.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'This needs to be a bigger deal'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Gisèle Pelicot: the case that horrified France
The Explainer Survivor has been praised for demanding a public trial of the dozens of men accused of raping her
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrested on federal charges
Speed Read The hip-hop star was hit with sex trafficking and racketeering charges
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
David Copperfield faces sexual misconduct claims
Speed Read Allegations by 16 women include claims the world-famous magician drugged them before having sex with them
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
How sexual harassment is rife in Antarctica
Under The Radar Women have been 'gaslit' over reports of abuse at 'the emptiest, windiest, highest, driest, coldest place on Earth'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The #MeToo movements around the world
The Explainer French men have been sharing stories of abuse in the latest calling out of sexual assault and harassment
By The Week Staff Published
-
TB Joshua: the disgraced Nigerian televangelist
Why everyone's talking about The late church leader allegedly subjected followers to sexual assault and abuse over nearly 20 years
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Rape in the metaverse: a case for the real-life police?
Talking Points Investigation launched into attack on girl in virtual reality game amid warnings that sexual offences 'rife' in online worlds
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Journalists in UK courts: question of transparency?
Under the radar Proposed changes to justice system include excluding reporters from rape and sexual assault trials
By Harriet Marsden Published