PhD student given life sentence for raping 10 women

A PhD student at the University College London has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of 10 women.

Zhenhao Zou, 28, was found guilty of 28 offences which included 11 counts of rape as well as three counts of voyeurism, 10 counts of possession of extreme pornographic images, one of false imprisonment and three of possession of drugs with intent to commit a sexual offence.

He was sentenced today (19 June) at Inner London Crown Court to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years.

Over the course of the four-week trial, prosecutors set about presenting the evidence proving Zou was a serial rapist who relied on drugs, namely 1,4 Butanediol, to incapacitate his victims before carrying out his attacks.

Zou used social media platforms and dating websites to target the women, often fellow students from London, and then arrange to meet up with them.

The jury at the Inner London Crown Court heard how Zou would secretly film his attacks using a mobile device and hidden cameras. Jurors were then shown evidence found on SD cards at Zou’s accommodation which showed him raping unconscious women in London and in China.

Saira Pike, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Zou is a serial rapist and a danger to women. His life sentence reflects the heinous acts and harm he caused to women and the danger he posed to society.

“We have always been determined to seek justice for both the unidentified and identified victims in this case. We used an evidence-led approach that relied on the video recordings of Zou to ensure this dangerous predator faced justice.

“The prosecution team worked with the police for over a year to pick apart an unprecedented amount of footage and web chats showing his meticulous planning and the horrifying execution of his crimes.

“Following the police appeal, we will continue to review and consider any further charges to ensure that he is held accountable and seek justice for all victims.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt thanks to the courageous women who came forward to report Zou’s horrific crimes. They have been incredibly strong and brave – there is no doubt that their evidence helped us to secure his conviction, and the life sentence handed to him today.”

Commander Kevin Southworth, of the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts have always been with the courageous victim-survivors of Zou’s heinous and predatory crimes.

“Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our officers and prosecutors, a dangerous and cowardly offender will now spend the next 24 years behind bars. I hope the fact Zou can no longer harm others serves as a small amount of comfort to the women who have suffered immeasurably.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to stress that our investigation remains open and we continue to appeal to anyone who may think they have been a victim of Zou. Please come forward and speak with our team – we will treat you with empathy, kindness and respect.”