Seekings, 66, of Southern Way, Farnborough, who retired in 2005 after serving 32 years, had been found guilty after a four-day trial at Brighton Crown Court. He had been charged in July 2019.

Both rapes were in Surrey. The victim cannot be named for legal reasons. One attack was during his meal break while he was on duty.

Seekings was originally charged with seven offences of rape but his indictment was amended to two counts.

Investigating Detective Constable Becky Thomson said: “The fact that Seekings is now facing life in prison for the next 11 years reflects the severity of his offending and the trauma and anguish he inflicted on his victim. Judge Stephen Mooney also said Seekings had betrayed his role as a police officer by what he had done.

“Seekings was a controlling sexual perpetrator who wouldn’t take no for an answer, and subjected his victim to sexual abuse over a six-year period.

“Understandably, she has been left extremely traumatised by the ordeal she has suffered and I want to commend her for her bravery in coming forward and giving evidence in court. I hope that Seekings being now behind bars will give her some closure and help her move on with her life.

“I would encourage anyone who has suffered a similar experience to come forward and report it. We always take any allegation seriously and will always ensure they are thoroughly investigated.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Alison Barlow said: “Derek Seekings left Surrey Police some 12 years before these allegations were reported to us but the offences were committed while he was still a serving police officer.

“We expect extremely high standards of behaviour from our officers and staff, standards which Seekings fell woefully below. His behaviour was simply reprehensible.

“A thorough and robust investigation was done as soon as we became aware of the allegations against him and we will always fully investigate any complaints made against our staff, retired or serving.

“I too praise the victim for her courage in coming forward and re-living her ordeal in court. I would also like to commend DC Thomson and her team for the excellent investigation which ensured Seekings was brought to justice.”

Outside court, the victim said: “The support I was given by Surrey Police throughout the investigation gave me the strength to see this case through and I would urge anyone who has been the victim of a similar offence to come forward and report it.”

Anyone with concerns about the behaviour of officers or staff can contacting the Anti-Corruption Unit by calling 999 in an emergency, or emailing AntiCorruption@surrey.pnn.police.uk

For advice, information and support if you have been the victim of rape or sexual abuse, please click here https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/