Jail for 1977 bus station rapist

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/7919668.stm

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A man has been jailed for six-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to the rape of a woman at a South Yorkshire bus station 32 years ago.

Brian Wright was 17 when he raped the 26-year-old in toilets at Sheffield's Pond Street station in February 1977.

Wright, of no fixed address, admitted rape at Hull Crown Court last month.

The 49-year-old was sentenced to life in prison in 1982 for two other rapes and was out on licence when he was charged over the 1977 incident.

The rape happened after Wright's victim had been on a night out with friends.

Officers reopened the case early last year after a review of unsolved serious sex offences and Wright was linked to the case by DNA.

'Traumatic wait'

Det Sgt Ian Harding, who led the investigation, said: "It's testament to the hard work of the original detectives that the offender was among suspects identified at the time.

"But without the forensic science now available, they were unable to bring charges against him."

In a statement, released by police, Wright's victim said: "The result has been a long time coming.

"It's been a long and traumatic wait, but thanks to the police and the cold case unit, after 32 years it's all finished.

"For anyone in the same situation - don't give up hope."

Mr Harding said: "The judge commented on the stress the victim has suffered during the last 32 years and said that had Wright not already been serving two life sentences for similar crimes, he may well have received a life sentence for this matter.

"Six-and-a-half years may appear lenient at first glance, given the gravity of this crime.

"However, when you take into account the existing sentences and the judge's comments, both the victim and the cold case review team are pleased with the result."