Man found guilty after DNA breakthrough in Sheffield rape case from 1985
It's after a woman was attacked in a underground car park more than 40 years ago
Last updated 12th Feb 2026
A man has been found guilty of raping a woman at knifepoint in Sheffield in 1985.
The attack occurred on 7th September 1985, when a young woman was attacked in an underground car park following a night out.
The crime has gone unsolved since, with the victim since passing away without seeing justice.
Now, 75 year old Rotherham man David Hill has been found guilty of the crime, after a breakthrough from cold case officers.
South Yorkshire Police began a review of the case in 2018, leading to new DNA analysis techniques that identified a DNA profile of the suspect.
In 2021, the suspect's DNA matched Hill, whose profile had been added to the national database after a public order offence arrest.
Hill denied the rape charge, claiming no memory of the victim and alleging consensual sex.
Due to the victim’s death, her original police statement was presented as 'hearsay' evidence at Sheffield Crown Court, supported by testimonies from friends and family.
The trial at Sheffield Crown Court lasted a week with Hill being found guilty.
He will be sentenced on March 20.
Head of the South Yorkshire Police's Major Incident Review Team, Dave Stopford said:
"Due to the victim having sadly died, we, alongside the Crown Prosecution Service, applied to the court to have her original police statement read as ‘hearsay’ evidence, which is when evidence is provided in a manner other than as firsthand, direct testimony.
"This resulted in us carrying out a number of enquiries to prove that the victim's statement could be trusted. I would like to thank the victim's close friend and family member, who provided evidence of her character meaning the court agreed to hear her evidence."
"I want to commend the victim in this case. It is tragic that she is no longer here to witness Hill facing justice, but I hope it brings her loved ones some comfort to know that we never gave up on pursuing him."
"The victim bravely assisted the police in the initial investigation and died very young, and our thoughts remain with her loved ones.
“I would like to thank the witnesses who helped secure this conviction. The lead investigator at the time, ex-Detective Chief Superintendent Robert Varey, and ex PC Sue Botley, who assisted in the examination of the victim, both provided crucial evidence during the trial.
"I would also like to thank the scientists involved, whose work is invaluable in these historic cases, and without them this perpetrator may never have been brought to justice for this crime.
"This has been a very lengthy and complex investigation. A number of investigating officers on my team have been involved over the years, culminating in Investigating Officer Rachel Morton working many hours to submit the case to the CPS and the courts.”