Rapist who attacked student on her first night in Leeds jailed almost 50 years on

David Short was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of indecent assault following a trial at Leeds Crown Court last month, and was jailed for six years on Thursday (Apr 23).

The 66-year-old was also added to the sex offenders register for life and made the subject of a lifetime restraining order.

The offences were reported and investigated at the time in 1977, but no suspect was identified.

His victim told him “you are no longer in control” after she said her hope was “stolen from me” on the night she was attacked.

A statement from her said: “Even when the police finally caught up with you, you continued to lie and deny the offences you committed against me.

“You must be a delusional, cowardly individual, who is cruel to the core. You have no regard for women. And for the first time in 49 years, you are no longer in control of this situation.”

She said the attack has dominated her life for the 49 years, and is something that is replayed in her mind on a daily basis “like a horror movie”.

She continued: “On October 2, 1977, 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.

“Years later, I reflect on that time in October 1977 and think of my poor parents who left me in Leeds that night, believing that I was safe from harm. Never could they have imagined that such a horrendous act would befall their youngest daughter. The events of that night massively affected them as well as my siblings.

“I have carried the events of that night in my head for almost 49 years; it has dominated my life. There is not a day that passes that it does not run through my mind like a horror film on continual repeat.

“The not knowing who was responsible for the rape and sexual assault has tormented me for all those years, causing great stress and anxiety.

“I had never seen a photograph of you David Sharp until the conclusion of the trial in March 2026, so I had no idea what you looked like. But you knew what I looked like and that has always been a source of great anxiety."

Sharp, now of Copland Meadows in Totnes, Devon, was identified through a DNA test of a close family member after West Yorkshire Police’s major investigation review team reopened the investigation as part of reviewing cold cases.

The victim said the work of the team restored her faith in justice.

She said: “When Haley Pedley and Linzie Holroyd got involved in 2023/4, they restored my faith in the process and have both supported me and guided me throughout. I am delighted for them and their team as well as for me that the case has finally been resolved successfully.”

Detective Inspector Stephen King, of the Major Investigation Review Team, said: “The victim has been incredibly courageous after all these years to go through the court process. She is at the centre of this investigation into events which scarred her whole adult life and until now remained unresolved.

“No prison sentence can make up for the ongoing trauma that the victim has endured over 48 years and the way it mapped her life.

“We know she now feels justice has been served, she knows she was believed and is grateful for the work that the team have done to get the conviction at court and also in supporting her through the whole process.

“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.

“If anyone has been a victim of an offence, we would urge them to report it; you will be believed and supported by specially trained officers. This investigation shows that time is not a barrier to justice.”