Rapist finally faces justice 49 years after attacking young student following DNA success
David Sharp, 66, of Copland Meadows, Totnes, Devon, was jailed on Thursday April 23(Image: West Yorkshire Police)
A woman who was raped as a young student in Leeds has slammed the “cowardly individual” who attacked her as he finally faces justice after almost half a century.
The woman was attacked in October 1977 on her first night after moving to the city to study for her degree. As her rapist, David Sharp, 66, of Copland Meadows, Totnes, Devon, was jailed, she said her “heart aches” for the young woman – her younger self – he targeted.
After 49 years of thinking he had got away with his crime, Sharp was finally convicted of rape and indecent assault, and was jailed on Thursday (April 23) for six years after appearing at Leeds Crown Court.
The offences were investigated in 1977, but no suspect was identified at the time, however, the Major Investigation Review Team at West Yorkshire Police reopened the investigation as part of their cold case review, looking at all potential forensic opportunities. Sharp’s DNA was looked at, but his was not on any police databases, and he was eventually identified when a similar DNA profile was linked to a close family member of his.
In a statement released through the force, the woman said: “On 2 October 1977, I was just 18 years and three months old when I arrived in Leeds to start my degree course. My heart aches for that young woman. It was to be the start of me being more independent, spreading my wings and exploring the city of Leeds and the world. I had such enormous hope, potential and the world to explore. This was all stolen away from me that night.
Get all the latest and breaking news in Leeds by signing up to our newsletter here.
“Years later, I reflect on that time in October 1977 and think of my poor parents who left me in Leeds that night, believing that I was safe from harm. Never could they have imagined that such a horrendous act would befall their youngest daughter. The events of that night massively affected them as well as my siblings.
“I have carried the events of that night in my head for almost 49 years; it has dominated my life. There is not a day that passes that it does not run through my mind like a horror film on continual repeat. The not knowing who was responsible for the rape and sexual assault has tormented me for all those years, causing great stress and anxiety.”
Addressing Sharp, she said: “Even when the police finally caught up with you, you continued to lie and deny the offences you committed against me. You must be a delusional, cowardly individual, who is cruel to the core. You have no regard for women. And for the first time in 49 years, you are no longer in control of this situation.”
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Stephen King, of the Major Investigation Review Team, said: “The victim has been incredibly courageous after all these years to go through the court process. She is at the centre of this investigation into events which scarred her whole adult life and until now remained unresolved.
“No prison sentence can make up for the ongoing trauma that the victim has endured over 48 years and the way it mapped her life. We know she now feels justice has been served, she knows she was believed and is grateful for the work that the team have done to get the conviction at court and also in supporting her through the whole process.
“Forensic science is continually developing, and we will continue to utilise all available scientific advancements to solve cases, protect the public and get victims the outcomes they deserve. If anyone has been a victim of an offence, we would urge them to report it; you will be believed and supported by specially trained officers. This investigation shows that time is not a barrier to justice.”
LeedsLive has launched a WhatsApp community and anyone who joins will get the latest breaking news and top stories sent direct to their phone. To join click here.
If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here.
