A dangerous sexual predator who used Tinder to target vulnerable women has been jailed for 14 years after faking his own death in a desperate attempt to evade justice. James Furlong, 30, committed multiple brutal attacks across England while posing as a genuine dating app user.
The Chilling Pattern of Deception
Furlong's reign of terror spanned several counties as he systematically used the popular dating platform to meet unsuspecting women. Manchester Crown Court heard how the serial offender would gain his victims' trust before subjecting them to horrific sexual assaults.
When police began closing in on his crimes, Furlong orchestrated an elaborate scheme to fake his own death, creating false documents and evidence suggesting he had passed away. This calculated move was designed to throw investigators off his trail and avoid facing consequences for his vile actions.
Justice Finally Served
Despite Furlong's attempts to disappear, dedicated police work uncovered the truth behind his deception. Detective Inspector James Dyson praised the bravery of the victims who came forward, stating: "This was a complex investigation into a dangerous individual who went to extraordinary lengths to avoid responsibility for his crimes."
The court heard emotional impact statements from survivors who described how Furlong's actions had devastated their lives. One victim spoke of the ongoing trauma and difficulty trusting new people since the attack.
Warning for Dating App Users
This case has raised serious concerns about safety on dating platforms. Police are urging users to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines when meeting new people online. Recommendations include:
- Always meeting in public places for initial dates
- Informing friends or family about your plans
- Trusting your instincts if situations feel uncomfortable
- Reporting suspicious behaviour to both the dating platform and police
Furlong will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely and must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole.
