Man jailed for 1977 rape after cold case DNA match

A man has been jailed for raping a student in Leeds almost 50 years ago after a cold case review led to a DNA breakthrough.

David Sharp, 66, climbed up a fire escape and smashed a window to break into the 18-year-old woman's room in the early hours of 2 October 1977, before assaulting her while wearing a ski mask.

The woman, who had returned home on her first night in the city after moving there to study at university, said she was still affected by the "trauma" of the event.

Sharp, 66, from Totnes, Devon, was jailed for six years at Leeds Crown Court, having been found guilty of rape and indecent assault following a trial last month.

Prosecutor Jayne Beckett said Sharp, then aged 17 and living in Leeds, had entered the woman's room on the top floor "in the dead of night".

The court heard how he had visited the property earlier in the evening before returning at about 03:00 wearing a face covering.

Judge Stubbs said the offence had taken place "right in the middle of the Yorkshire Ripper's killings, which haunted the Headingley community".

"As a resident in the city I can remember the atmosphere," he added.

West Yorkshire Police previously said the offence was reported at the time, but officers were unable to identify a suspect.

Defence barrister Richard English KC said the woman's treatment by police at the time had been "universally appalling".

The victim said she had also faced "prejudice" by many members of the student community after sharing her story, with Judge Stubbs telling the court that sentences for sex crimes were less stringent around the time of the offence than today.

The court heard Sharp had been arrested after a cold case review in 2023 matched his DNA to the profile of the attacker.

Police were then able to verify Sharp had lived in Leeds at the time of the attack, although the court heard how he continued to deny any responsibility.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: "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.

"I have carried the events of that night in my head for almost 49 years and it has dominated my life.

"There's not a day that passes that it doesn't run through my mind like a horror film on continual repeat.

She labelled Sharp, who appeared in court via video link from HMP Leeds, a "delusional, cowardly individual".

Det Insp Stephen King, from West Yorkshire Police's Major Investigation Review Team, said: "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."

Sharp was sentenced to six years for rape and 18 months for indecent assault with both sentences to run concurrently. He was also told his name would remain on the sex offenders register for life and given a lifetime restraining order banning him from contact with his victim.

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