A Metropolitan Police officer with a “deep-seated need to control women” has been jailed for 25 years for a series of rapes and sexual assaults.
Dion Arnold, 33, used his status as a police officer to gain the trust of vulnerable women he met on dating apps and social media, then acted out his fantasies of non-consensual sex.
Guildford Crown Court heard he raped one of his victims when she was asleep, choked a woman with a scarf until she fell unconscious, and told one victim he wanted to role-play breaking into her house to lay in wait.
One of Arnold’s victims fell pregnant and had to have an abortion after being raped, and the court heard she twice attempted suicide in the aftermath.
Where to get help if you’re struggling
You don’t have to suffer in silence if you’re struggling with your mental health. Here are some groups you can contact when you need help.
Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email jo@samaritans.org in confidence
Childline: Phone 0800 1111. Calls are free and won’t show up on your bill
PAPYRUS: For teens and young adults. Phone 0800 068 4141
Depression Alliance: The charity offers useful resources for people struggling.
Students Against Depression: For students who are depressed, have low mood, or are suicidal.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Phone 0800 58 58 58. For young men who are feeling unhappy.
James’ Place: Offering life-saving treatment to suicidal men in London and surrounding area.
For information on your local NHS urgent mental health helpline, visit here
Another woman recalled Arnold once telling her: “What are you going to do – call the police? I am the police.”
