DNA breakthrough leads to conviction in 1977 Leeds rape case
A man has been found guilty of rape and indecent assault nearly five decades later
A man has been convicted of the rape of a woman in Leeds nearly 50 years after the crime, following a significant DNA breakthrough.
66-year-old David Sharp, from Copland Meadows, Totnes, Devon, was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of indecent assault following a trial at Leeds Crown Court.
The offences occurred on October 2 1977, on the victim’s first night in Leeds after moving to the city for university.
At around 3am, she was awakened to the sound of a window breaking and a masked man entering her room, who then sexually assaulted and raped her.
Although the offence was reported and investigated at the time, a suspect was never identified.
In 2023, the Major Investigation Review Team reopened the case as part of a cold case review.
They succeeded in obtaining a DNA profile of the offender, which initially did not match police databases.
Investigators pursued looked at familial links, revealing a match with a close family member of Sharp, leading to his DNA sample confirming his involvement.
He is known to have lived in Leeds at the time.
Detective Sergeant Richard Ord, of the West Yorkshire's Major Investigation Review Team, said:
“At the heart of this investigation is a woman who has been scarred by the events of 48 years ago for her whole adult life. She has told officers that she remembers the crime committed against her on that day in 1977 like it was yesterday.
“Sharp has consistently denied this offence and taken no responsibility for his actions. The evidence we were able to gather was compelling and has resulted in him being convicted of this offence.
“No prison sentence can make up for the life term of trauma that the victim has been subjected to, but I hope that she feels that some form of justice has now been served.
“This investigation is an example of the work that we do within the Major Investigation Review Team under Op Recall reviewing non-recent rape and serious sexual offence cases. Forensic science is continually developing, and we will utilise any available scientific advancements to solve cases, protect the public and get victims the outcomes they deserve.
“We would encourage anyone to come forward who wishes to report an offence, no matter how long ago, you will be listened to, this case shows time is not a barrier to justice.”
Sharp is currently remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for 23rd April.