Rawcliffe man convicted of attempting to rape woman in home 30 years ago
New evidence came to light in 2025
Last updated 21st Apr 2026
A man who broke into a woman's home and tried to rape her almost 30 years ago in Beverley has now been convicted.
Andrew Pennington, 62, of High Street in Rawcliffe has pleaded guilty to attempted rape, indecent assault, burglary and burglary with intent to steal.
Most of these charges relate to an incident in 1998.
Hull Crown Court heard how in the early hours of 23rd July 1998, Pennington entered a woman's house, jumped out at her and attacked her.
He threatened her with rape and violence and tried to take her clothes off.
He fled the scene when another person entered the address.
This person tried to stop Pennington, but he lost sight of him as he ran.
At the time of the incident, forensic limitations meant they never identified a suspect.
Officer re-examined the case in 2025, finding new evidence.
Detectives found that in 2017, Pennington had been convicted and sentenced for a rape which happened in 1988 in North Yorkshire.
His DNA was also found at the scene of three domestic burglaries in Humberside from 1997.
They noticed a pattern which seemed to be sexually motivated.
The DNA on the victim's clothing was eventually matched to Pennington.
Detective Constable Eleanor Henrickson who lead the investigation said: “Pennington is a sexual predator who broke into a woman’s home and attacked her, thinking only of his own sick sexual desires.
“Whilst prosecution was originally not an option due to a lack of evidence, I am pleased that justice will now be served.
“I hope this case sends a stark message to anyone that has ever committed an offence and thinks they have got away with it. We will keep searching and we will do everything in our power to hold you accountable for your crimes."