Jailed rapist 'one of UK's most prolific predators'

A CHINESE PhD student, who is "one of the most prolific predators" in the UK, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 24 years.

- TED HENNESSEY Press Association reporter

Zhenhao Zou, 28, drugged and raped 10 women in London and China.

He kept a trophy box of women's belongings and filmed nine of the rapes on women as they lost consciousness.

Three of the 10 victims have been identified, prosecutors say, but Metropolitan Police detectives fear he could have targeted dozens more women.

Sentencing Zou at Inner London Crown Court yesterday, Judge Rosina Cottage told him he would serve 22 years and 227 days before he was eligible for parole, taking into account time spent on remand.

The judge said the defendant is a "very bright young man" who used a manipulative "charming mask" to hide that he is a "sexual predator".

She said that Zou "planned and executed a campaign of rape", treating the women "callously" and as "sex toys" for his own pleasure, which had "devastating and long-term effects".