Saturday 12 March 2011

Justice Catches Up With Rapist 26 Years On


A balaclava-clad sex beast – who dodged justice for twenty-six years following a terrifying armed attack on a couple in their South London home – has finally been caged for sixteen years.

Robert Clarke, 43, (pictured) was a teenager when he broke into the Upper Norwood property and threatened the occupants with a knife and iron bar, raping the woman twice and indecently assaulting the man.

A telltale palm print left at the scene by Clarke underwent a new forensic review – identifying him as the mystery assailant.

He was convicted of two counts of rape and indecent assault, aggravated burglary, false imprisonment and incitement to commit indecent assault on August 20, 1984.

The victims were also tied up with cables, flexes and chain, before Clarke fled through a window, making off with jewellery, a watch and cash.

Detective Constable Claire Watts, pf the Metropolitan Police’s Cold Case Sapphire team said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for both victims and after all of this time, Clarke thought he got away with it.

Today's outcome shows victims of sexual assault that the Metropolitan Police Service will pursue their attackers and bring them to prosecution, no matter how much time has passed.”

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