PETERBOROUGH PREDATOR GETS LIFE FOR COLD CASE RAPE AFTER 30 YEARS
A man known as Ian Harper, formerly Ian Harrison, was involved in a sexual assault case in Peterborough over 30 years ago.The victim, in her 30s at the time, was attacked in her own home on July 16, 1985.
Harper, who was wearing a balaclava and threatening her with a screwdriver, demanded money and then violently assaulted her.
Despite the long passage of time, Harper was brought to justice with the aid of DNA evidence.
He was identified through the National DNA Database and in January 2017, his DNA was matched, leading to his conviction.
Harper (57) appeared via video link in court to admit to rape, burglary, and indecent assault related to the incident.
He was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment for rape, with additional sentences for the other offences.
The investigation was part of Operation Painter, which aimed to review and solve cold cases of sexual offences committed between 1974 and 1999.
Detective Inspector Alan Page emphasized his dangerous nature and the importance of forensic science in securing justice, stating, “Ian Harper is an evil man.
He is one of the most dangerous sexual predators in the UK and to secure a further prison term against him will mean our communities are protected from him committing further offences.” The case exemplifies the persistent efforts of law enforcement to bring long-standing offenders to justice through advancements in DNA techniques.
