MAN JAILED FOR 1984 LONDON RAPE AFTER COLD CASE REOPENED
A man has been handed a 16-year prison sentence for a series of rapes and assaults that took place on August 20, 1984, after a cold case team utilized advances in forensic science to apprehend him.The Metropolitan Police stated that no suspects were identified during the initial investigation.
However, key developments in forensic techniques enabled a recent review of the case, including palm print analysis from the crime scene which led to the identification of the perpetrator.
Robert Clarke, aged 43, was found guilty of multiple charges, such as rape, indecent assault, false imprisonment, and aggravated burglary, receiving several concurrent sentences totaling 16 years.
He maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
The police reported that Clarke broke into a flat in West Norwood on the night of the attack, threatening the two residents.
He raped a woman twice and indecently assaulted a man, then coerced the man into sexually assaulting the woman.
Additionally, he stole jewelry and cash.
Clarke is already serving a 30-month sentence for burglaries committed in 2007.
