A man convicted of a series of rapes carried out more than 15 years ago has been sentenced following an investigation by specialist detectives

Kurt Forbes of no fixed address, previously appeared at Wood Green Crown Court where he was found guilty by a jury of three counts of rape and one attempted rape.

The offences, against a person known to him, took place in Hackney between 1998 and 2006.

Detective Constable Thomas Millard, who led the investigation, said: “The victim in this case has shown extreme bravery, not only by coming forward to police but in providing extensive evidence at court which left the jury in no doubt as to Forbes’ guilt.

“Despite the time passed since the offences took place, our team worked tirelessly to gather the evidence which proved Forbes had committed these horrific crimes.

“We hope this demonstrates to any other victims that whenever sexual offences are reported to us, however long ago they took place, we will take them extremely seriously.”

In July 2022, a man came forward to police to report that he had been raped on four occasions by a man known to him.

Officers took a video-recorded statement and provided the victim with specialist support including a referral to an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate.

A warrant was issued for Forbes’ arrest but he continued to evade police. Following a manhunt, he was arrested in Ilford in January 2023.