A serial rapist who believed he was “untouchable” after prosecutors decided not to charge him has today been convicted of four sex attacks spanning 16 years.
City banker Brian Witty, 41, continued to prey on women after the Crown Prosecution Service took no action following allegations in 1995, 2006 and 2008.
However, police arrested him again following another attack in August last year and detectives today issued an appeal for any other potential victims to come forward.
Witty, of Twickenham Road, Teddington, was found guilty, following a trial at Kingston Crown Court, of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Detective Inspector Michael Murfin, of the Metropolitan Police’s sapphire unit, said: "Brian Witty is a predatory rapist and I would urge anyone who thinks they may have been raped or sexually assaulted by him to contact the police in complete confidence.”
He added: “I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of the women who Witty raped and sexually assaulted.
"I would like to thank them each for their courage in coming forward to report their ordeals and having the strength to give evidence against him in court."
Witty attacked two of his victims in his Teddington flat after drinking with them in the Anglers, near his home, and the Eel Pie pub, in Twickenham.
The Territorial Army captain threatened one woman by saying he had been in the army and could kill her if he wanted to.
Alison Saunders, London’s chief crown prosecutor, thanked the victims for their support in the case but said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) did not believe police had enough evidence to charge Witty in 1995, 2006 and 2008.
She said: “Today’s conviction means that a dangerous sex offender will now be imprisoned. Brian Witty earned women’s trust after meeting them in social situations. When he then had them alone he turned violent and subjected them to a serious sexual assault.
“For some of the victims justice has been a long time coming and I thank them for their support of this prosecution and the evidence they provided to the court.
“Prosecuting rape is very challenging but our knowledge is ever growing and we always seek to improve. The expertise that our prosecutors now apply to cases such as these means that offenders like Brian Witty, who may have thought they had got away with their crimes, are being brought to justice.”
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