DENIS COLES, CARDIFF CARE HOME RESIDENT, CONVICTED OF 1977 RAPE OF 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN CARDIFF

A man aged 73, currently residing in a care home in Rumney, Cardiff, has been formally convicted of a heinous sexual assault that took place nearly five decades ago. The individual, identified as Denis Coles, was linked to the crime through a meticulous cold case review that re-examined DNA evidence from the incident dating back to 1977.

Back then, Coles was 26 years old when he approached an 11-year-old girl as she was walking home from Guides in Cardiff. According to reports, he initially engaged her by asking for the time while riding a bicycle. The encounter quickly turned sinister when he forcibly took her to a nearby garage, where he subjected her to a brutal sexual assault. During the attack, he pushed her face into a door, causing her significant pain, and raped her. After the assault, Coles ordered her to pull up her clothing and instructed her to count to 50 before riding away from the scene.

The young girl managed to reach her mother’s house, where she sought help. Police were promptly involved, and forensic investigations ensued. Swabs taken from her clothing at the time revealed semen, which initially led to an arrest. However, subsequent scientific analysis proved that Coles was not the perpetrator at that time, resulting in his acquittal. Despite this, the case remained unresolved until recent years.

In 2019, a cold case review was conducted, utilizing advanced DNA analysis techniques. The re-examination of evidence from the victim’s clothing established a highly probable link to Coles, with a statistical likelihood of one in a billion. This breakthrough prompted his arrest, although he maintained his innocence and denied any involvement in the crime. Due to his declining health, Coles was deemed unfit to stand trial in a traditional court setting. Nevertheless, he was convicted of the crime through a trial of the facts, a legal process used when a defendant cannot participate fully in proceedings.

During the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke acknowledged the profound trauma inflicted upon the victim. She described the lasting psychological scars and the impact of the assault on her life. Coles was sentenced to a two-year supervision order and was subjected to eight years of sex offender notification requirements, ensuring ongoing monitoring and management of his status.

The victim, in a heartfelt statement read aloud in court, shared how the assault has haunted her for over 40 years. She detailed suffering from anxiety, depression, nightmares, and even an attempt at suicide, emphasizing the deep and enduring effects of the crime. While expressing relief that justice has finally been achieved, she also highlighted the long-term damage inflicted by the assault.

It was also revealed that Coles has a criminal history that includes cautions for burglary and theft. Currently residing in a care home in Rumney, Cardiff, he remains under supervision following his conviction. The case underscores the importance of cold case reviews and the advances in forensic science that can bring long-delayed justice to victims of serious crimes.