Man, 75, jailed after raping woman over 40 years ago | UK | News
Rapist David Hill (75) sentenced to 15 years in prison (Image: South Yorkshire Police)
A man who raped a woman at knifepoint more than 40 years ago has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, prosecutors said. David Hill, 75, of Broom Valley Road, RotherhamHe attacked the woman in an underground car park as she was leaving Josephine’s nightclub in Sheffield in the early hours of September 7, 1985, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
She died 12 years after the rape, and her family believes the ordeal contributed to her early death. A CPS spokesman said Hill approached the woman from behind and grabbed her hand. knife to her throat and back as he raped her.
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He was not identified in 1985, but was arrested almost four decades later as part of an unconcluded case investigation and following the discovery of DNA.
The CPS said that although the woman died in the late 1990s, the judge accepted that her statement at the time could be considered hearsay evidence. He helped build a case against the attacker.
CPS Yorkshire and Humberside Senior Crown Prosecutor Caroline Deacon said: “This is one of the most complex and unique cases I have worked on throughout my career and one that presents exceptional legal challenges.
“At our core was a young woman who we were determined to bring justice to. Even though she has now passed away, we successfully applied for her original account of the attack to be used in court, ensuring that her voice could be heard forty years later.”
Ms Deacon said the CPS also applied for his medical history to be shown to jurors.
It was revealed that she spoke to medical professionals years later about the impact the rape had on her life.
The prosecutor said: “David Hill subjected the victim to a horrific and humiliating attack that marred the rest of his life.
“In a deeply moving statement read in court today, her surviving brother testified that he believed the rape contributed to her early death.”
The case was reopened in 2021 after scientists conducted speculative research on a sample taken from the woman’s clothing. A full DNA profile was obtained that matched Hill.
Hill’s DNA was added to the national database after he was arrested on a separate public order offence.
He was arrested in March 2022 but claimed he could not remember where he was 37 years ago.
Woman raped after leaving a nightclub in Sheffield (pictured) (Image: Getty)
But he admitted to frequenting Josephine’s and engaging in casual sexual encounters, including with married women, according to CPS.
Hill was found guilty following a trial in February.
Dave Stopford, head of South Yorkshire Police’s Major Incident Investigation Team, said: “From the start of this investigation, our priority was to achieve justice for the victim and provide answers for their loved ones.”
Mr Stopford thanked former police officers who attended the initial investigation in 1985, as well as friends and family who provided crucial evidence.
Former Det Ch Supt Robert Varey, who as detective sergeant was the lead investigator at the 1985 investigation, said the case had haunted him throughout his 40-year career.
Mr Varey said: “I retired in 2012 but when the investigation team contacted me I knew I had a public duty to assist the investigation and that the other witnesses who gave evidence were also crucial.
“It was fantastic that the victim’s close friends and family members came forward 40 years later. They were vital to ensuring justice was served.
“I am delighted that someone has been jailed for this absolutely horrific crime and my thoughts remain with the victim’s loved ones.”
It’s never too late to report rape to the police. If you cannot talk to them, you can call the expert and confidential 24/7 Rape and Sexual Support Line on 0808 500 2222.
