Stephen Johnstone, 50, of Montrose, Angus, specialized in breaking into homes occupied by lone, vulnerable women, raping them and making off with valuables.
Johnstone,(pictured) caught by the Metropolitan Police’s Sapphire Cold Case Rape Investigation Team, was jailed at Southwark Crown Court.
He pleaded guilty to raping a 62 year-old widow in Bexleyheath, Kent, on September 13, 1989 and raping a 25 year-old woman in Barnet, Hertfordshire, on October 23.
He broke into the first victim’s home as she slept and after raping her stole jewellery, including her late husband’s wedding ring.
He again forced himself into a victim’s home the following month, raping the younger woman and helping himself to cash and jewellery.
A police probe was launched immediately after the first rape and DNA samples taken from the scenes showed a link between both crimes.
However, despite an appeal in the local press and e-fits provided by the victims, no suspect was identified.
The trail went cold until, in 2008, a review of the crimes by the Cold Case Team prompted the Forensic Science Service to upgrade the DNA samples.
One from the first crime scene matched a sample on the national DNA database, given by Johnstone when he was arrested for drink driving, while a further one taken after the second offence also showed a match to Johnstone.
He was arrested on April 21, this year and taken to London for questioning, where he denied the offences.
After Johnstone was jailed Detective Constable Jenny Thrower of the Met's Cold Case Team said: "Johnstone's offences were particularly brutal leaving both victims badly traumatised and suffering significant after-effects even until today.
"It is right that he should be held to account for his crimes and that a clear menace to society should be taken from our streets.
"This case shows that the Metropolitan Police will do everything possible to make sure offenders are brought to justice - regardless of when their crimes were committed."
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