A prolific rapist who filmed his victims and was sentenced to life in prison has been made eligible for parole. Romeo Cummins, a dangerous offender, has submitted an application to be released and is attempting to convince parole authorities that he is no longer a threat to society and has reformed.
Victims Demand Justice
However, his victims are determined to keep him behind bars. The Parole Board has confirmed receiving his application and is currently debating whether the case should proceed to an oral hearing, where victims can present evidence, or be decided solely through documentation.
Cummins admitted to 16 counts of rape, sexual assault, and five drug offenses. He was initially sentenced to 13 and a half years, but this was increased to life imprisonment following an appeal in 2016.
Shocking Evidence
Police discovered more than 100 videos on Cummins' phone showing him attacking unconscious victims. He was originally arrested on drug charges, but examination of his phone revealed the horrifying footage, documenting sexual offenses against numerous women over three years.
Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP referred Cummins' sentence to the Court of Appeal, arguing it was unduly lenient. The sentence was subsequently increased. Buckland stated: "The original sentence failed to reflect the number of victims, the number of rapes, and the period over which the offending occurred. These were particularly vulnerable women who now have to live with the lasting psychological consequences of his actions."
Survivor Speaks Out
One survivor, Natasha Jones, has applied to the Parole Board urging them to hold an oral hearing so she can describe the impact of the attack on her life. Previously, Natasha revealed in interviews that she wishes "he had killed her" as she is "forced to relive the trauma" every time he requests parole.
The mother-of-two, who bravely waived her right to anonymity, received an apology from the Ministry of Justice after Cummins had a parole hearing in October 2024 without her being informed.
Parole Board Statement
A Parole Board spokesperson said: "The Parole Board received an application for the oral hearing in the case of Romeo Cummins to be heard in public from Natasha Jones.
"There is a legitimate public interest in transparency surrounding serious sexual offending and parole decision-making. Openness in this case would assist in maintaining confidence in the justice and parole system, particularly given the gravity and nature of the offending, the number of victims affected, and the ongoing fear experienced by survivors years after conviction.
"The psychological impact upon survivors caused by secrecy, uncertainty, or exclusion from proceedings directly affecting their safety and future wellbeing. The need for trauma-informed handling of all victim participation."
