DNA evidence has finally caught up with a sex offender – jailed for three years – for attacking a female hospital worker in a strore room fifteen years ago.
Homeless Daniel Dolen, 31, pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to indecently assaulting the woman – then in her 40’s – at an unnamed South London hospital on January 30, 1996.
During her shift the woman was followed into the store room by the defendant, who closed the door behind him, put his hand over the victim’s mouth, ordering her to keep quiet, and indecently assaulted her.
Dolen was disturbed mid-attack by two suspicious doctors who banged on the door when they noticed a strange man entering the room and he calmly walked straight past them and escaped.
He was identified via DNA left at the scene – with a one in one billion match – and was arrested by the Metropolitan Police’s Sapphire Cold Case Investigation Team.
Detective Constable Claire Watts said: “The victim went through a terrifying ordeal at her place of work where she should have felt safe and at ease.
“This sexual attack happened fifteen years ago before modern advances in DNA.
“If it had not have been for the two doctors' quick thinking at the time of the attack, then we may not have been able to retain evidence at the scene and find a DNA match years later.
“The result today shows our determination not to give up and find justice for victims and their families.
“We hope today's conviction will bring some closure for the victim, after living with this terrifying ordeal for fifteen years.”
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