Kentish Express Ashford & District
Rapist could be released despite seven life terms
Former detective opposes plea for freedom
A retired detective says a man who raped girls and women in a spate of crimes should never be released from prison.
Antoni Imiela was given seven life sentences for his crimes, which included the rape of a 10-year-old girl in Ashford in November 2001.
It was one of seven rapes he carried out in less than a year up to November 2002, which made him known as the M25 rapist.
The German-born railway worker, from Appledore, was jailed for his crimes in 2004 and was expected to serve a minimum of 20 years.
But last week it emerged that Imiela could be freed at a parole board hearing after 14 years.
The news has sparked condemnation from former Det Supt Colin Murray, who said the rapist was one of the worst criminals he had ever investigated.
In The Sun newspaper he said: “Imiela was rightfully convicted. He has never shown any remorse for his dreadful crimes.
“While the law permits Antoni Imiela to apply for parole, my hope is that he is unsuccessful.
“Imiela commenced his reign of terror when he abducted and raped a 10-year-old girl.
“That little girl was subjected to the most horrendous attack.
“He is a very dangerous man. How he would present himself as no longer being a threat is beyond me.
“I would question whether a man convicted of such heinous crimes should ever be freed.
“I could not remain in court while victims gave evidence. Having to watch them recall their horrendous experience was extremely sad.
“Let the punishment fit the crime and keep him where he deserves to be – in prison.”
Imiela could have been considered for parole after 10 years in 2010, but was at the time serving a further sentence.
In 2012 the married father-ofone was convicted of another rape of a woman on Christmas Day in 1987.
He was sentenced to 12 years for that attack, and now, having served half of that sentence, he is now eligible for parole.
The Parole Board experts are gathering papers on Imiela, and his case could be decided within the next few months.
‘How he would present himself as no longer being a threat is beyond me. I would question whether a man convicted of such heinous crimes should ever be freed’
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