A dangerous serial rapist who used Tinder to prey on women across London has been handed an indefinite prison sentence in a landmark case that highlights the dangers of online dating.
Joshua Lines, 28, created multiple fake profiles posing as a successful City worker to lure his victims into meetings before subjecting them to horrific sexual assaults.
Systematic Deception
Investigators discovered Lines operated a sophisticated deception campaign, using stolen photos and fabricated identities to gain women's trust. He specifically targeted professional women in their twenties and thirties, presenting himself as a finance professional to appear respectable and safe.
"This was a calculated predator who used dating apps as his hunting ground," said Detective Inspector Sarah Smith, who led the investigation. "He manipulated these platforms to find vulnerable women and exploit them for his own gratification."
Chilling Pattern of Abuse
The court heard how Lines would:
- Arrange dates in busy central London locations
- Gain his victims' confidence through charming behaviour
- Escalate to violent sexual assaults in private settings
- Use threats and intimidation to prevent victims from reporting him
One victim told police: "He seemed so normal at first - just a regular guy you might meet through friends. I never imagined the monster that was hiding behind that smile."
Police Breakthrough
The investigation gained momentum when multiple women came forward with similar stories. Forensic evidence and digital tracking eventually linked Lines to at least four separate attacks across different London boroughs.
Detectives praised the bravery of the victims who came forward, noting that their testimony was crucial in building the case against the serial offender.
Sentencing and Public Warning
At Inner London Crown Court, Lines received an indefinite sentence for public protection with a minimum term of eight years. The judge described him as "a clear and present danger to women" who showed "no remorse for his calculated crimes."
Police are urging dating app users to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines when meeting strangers, including:
- Always meet in public places for first dates
- Tell friends or family about your plans
- Arrange your own transport to and from dates
- Trust your instincts if something feels wrong
The case has prompted calls for dating platforms to strengthen their verification processes and improve safety features for users.
