“One of UK’s Most Prolific Sex Offenders” Given Life Sentence

“Potentially Hundreds of Victims” as Serial Offender Convicted

A man described by police as one of the UK’s most prolific sexual offenders has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years for a campaign of drug-facilitated sexual abuse and covert recording offences spanning several years.

Chao Xu, 33, was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court after admitting 24 sexual offences against at least 12 victims.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police believe there may be “hundreds more” unidentified women who were secretly filmed or assaulted by Xu over a period of three years.

The Case Against Xu

Xu, a Chinese national living in Greenwich, systematically targeted women — many of them students or acquaintances – by inviting them to his home or workplace under the guise of social or professional events.

He would prepare a cocktail he called “The Spirit of Life”, which contained alcohol, Chinese herbal substances, and, according to forensic evidence, stupefying drugs such as GHB and Scopolamine.

Once incapacitated, victims were filmed and sexually assaulted.

Hidden cameras were discovered inside everyday household objects, including air fresheners and packets of sanitary pads.

Officers also uncovered hundreds of covert recordings of women filmed at Xu’s workplace and on the London Underground, where he engaged in “upskirting” – the illegal act of taking photos beneath someone’s clothing without consent.

The court heard that Xu’s conduct was “planned and calculated,” with the judge describing him as an “incredibly dangerous man” who took “great enjoyment” in his crimes.

He will serve a minimum of 14 years before being eligible for parole. Any future deportation to China will be determined by the Home Office.

Investigating Covert and Drug-Facilitated Sexual Offences

Cases involving hidden recording equipment and the use of drugs to incapacitate victims are among the most complex sexual offence investigations undertaken by UK police.

They often rely on extensive digital forensic analysis, including recovery of deleted material, metadata examination, and chemical testing for controlled substances.

In Xu’s case, digital downloads from his devices revealed disturbing footage of assaults, many of which appeared to involve victims who were unconscious or severely intoxicated.

Forensic testing confirmed the presence of GHB – a well-known “date rape” drug – and Scopolamine, which can cause amnesia, confusion, and extreme drowsiness.

Detectives have identified only a small number of victims so far.

The Met Police believe that cultural barriers, fear, and shame may prevent others from coming forward, particularly as most of Xu’s victims were of Chinese heritage and may have concerns about stigma or disbelief.

Legal Context: Sentencing and Risk

Under UK law, offences of rape, sexual assault, and administering a substance with intent (contrary to Section 61 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003) carry life imprisonment as a maximum penalty.

When offences involve multiple victims, drugging, or recording, the court will treat them as aggravated and indicative of a continuing threat to public safety.

Xu’s life sentence reflects the court’s assessment that he poses a “significant risk of serious harm” to women – a test applied under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 for offenders deemed “dangerous.”

This allows the court to impose an indeterminate sentence to protect the public beyond a fixed term.

The case also highlights the increased use of Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) and restrictions on digital devices, though in Xu’s case these are superseded by his life sentence.

Digital and Covert Evidence: Challenges for Defence and Prosecution

From a criminal defence perspective, cases involving digital evidence and covert surveillance present unique challenges.

The volume of data – often terabytes of material recovered from phones, computers, and cloud storage – must be handled in accordance with strict evidential and disclosure rules.

The reliability and interpretation of digital files, timestamps, and forensic reports are frequently key issues at trial.

Where covert or “deeply personal” recordings are involved, defence solicitors must ensure that proper procedures were followed in the seizure, examination, and retention of digital evidence.

Any breach of these rules may affect the admissibility or fairness of the proceedings.

In cases involving allegations of drug-facilitated assault, toxicology evidence is also vital.

The timing of samples, potential cross-contamination, and pharmacological interpretation can make the difference between conviction and acquittal.

Even where guilt is admitted, mitigation may focus on demonstrating the defendant’s mental health, dependency, or psychological factors influencing behaviour.

Protecting Victims and Upholding Fair Trial Rights

While cases like Xu’s rightly attract public outrage, it is crucial that criminal investigations maintain both victim protection and defendant due process.

The justice system must avoid “trial by media” and ensure that all evidence is properly tested in court. The law’s purpose is twofold – to deliver justice for victims and to maintain fairness in procedure, even in the most serious and emotive cases.

Xu’s case also underscores the importance of consent and capacity in sexual offence prosecutions.

The use of drugs or alcohol that render a person unable to give informed consent transforms any sexual activity into a serious criminal offence.

The courts treat this as an aggravating factor that increases culpability and sentence severity.

How We Can Help

Any accusations of sexual offences can have serious implications. If you or someone you know is facing accusations and is in need of legal representation, it is imperative to seek legal representation at the earliest opportunity. Call us now on 0161 477 1121 or email us.