JON MOLT CAUGHT IN HARLOW: ESSEX RAPIST SENTENCED AFTER 15 YEARS

In a significant breakthrough in a long-standing case, Jon Molt, a man from Harlow, Essex, has been convicted of a brutal sexual assault that occurred nearly fifteen years ago. The incident took place in December 1997 within the secluded area of Ten Metre Wood, located near Harlow, where a 15-year-old girl was attacked. Molt, now 34 years old, was ultimately sentenced to eight and a half years in prison after DNA evidence linked him to the crime, ending a nearly decade-and-a-half-long investigation.

Initially, the case remained unresolved despite extensive efforts by law enforcement. The police investigation was hampered by the lack of direct evidence, but a breakthrough came when Molt’s father voluntarily provided a DNA sample as part of the ongoing inquiry. This sample was analyzed and found to be a familial match to DNA recovered from the crime scene, which was enough to establish a connection to Molt, who resided at Rushes Mead, Harlow. Despite denying any involvement, Molt’s guilt was confirmed through this familial DNA evidence.

The victim, who has since married and now resides in London, expressed her relief and gratitude following the conviction. She stated, “It is difficult to describe the sense of relief that I feel now that this man has been caught. Fourteen years is a long time, and I was beginning to believe that he would never be brought to justice. I am extremely grateful that Essex Police continued to investigate the crime, not only for me but for any future victims of this man who will now never have to endure what I went through.”

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Carolyn Gardiner recounted the harrowing details of the attack. The girl, who had attended a Christmas concert at her school, decided to walk to her boyfriend’s house after becoming concerned that he was not present at the event. As she passed through a quiet, wooded area, she was suddenly aware of someone running behind her. The court heard that the attacker attempted to remove her school uniform, and she pleaded, “Please don’t hurt me, I’m only 15.”

Ms. Gardiner described the assault as “brutal,” noting that the attacker threatened her life, saying, “If you scream again I’m going to kill you and I’m going to kill you bad.” Despite a major investigation and a public appeal on Crimewatch, the perpetrator remained at large until the DNA match was made nearly fifteen years later. At the time of the attack, Molt was employed at a Blockbuster store near the woodland, which was part of the police’s investigation.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Rob Vinson, commented on the case, saying, “Jon Molt believed for over 14 years that he had got away with this brutal and shocking attack on a young girl who had just left a school carol concert. He hadn’t, and he will now be going to prison for a long time.”

This case marks a significant milestone as it is the first time familial DNA has been utilized by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate to track down an offender. The victim expressed her feelings about the outcome, emphasizing her relief and appreciation for the police’s perseverance in solving the case, which has brought closure after nearly fifteen years of uncertainty.