A MAN has been jailed for raping a woman in Coventry 35 years ago.
Michael O’Meara was jailed this week after pleading guilty to the rape, which happened in Silver Street in July 1989.
On the day of the offence, the woman he attacked had been in the city centre with friends.
While walking down Silver Street looking for a taxi, O’Meara dragged her into a secluded area and raped her at knifepoint.
At the time, no trace of a suspect was found for more than three decades until a cold case review was carried out this year.
Forensic evidence gathered at the time of the attack was re-examined and, due to significant advances in forensic technology, was linked to O’Meara.
With a full DNA profile now available, O’Meara, who had previous convictions for sexual assault dating back to the 1990s, was arrested.
Despite denying the offence in interview, O’Meara was charged and pleaded guilty on November 7.
O’Meara, 58, was jailed for 12 years for rape on December 9, at Warwick Crown Court.
DC Ryan Ahern, West Midlands Police, who led the investigation, said: “This was a harrowing and horrific attack which O’Meara truly believed he had gotten away with.
“But thanks to significant leaps forward in forensic science over the last four decades, we were able to re-examine the evidence and prove his guilt.
“On behalf of the whole team involved in this investigation, we hope the survivor of this attack can find some closure knowing justice has finally been done.”
No matter how long ago the offence happened, survivors are encouraged to come forward and tell their story with the promise the force will investigate any possible lines of enquiry.
In the new year, West Midlands Police will be increasing its service to review cold case rapes and serious sexual offence cases to ensure survivors are not forgotten about and deliver the justice they so rightly deserve.
