Rapist trapped 29 years after attack

Chistopher Howard Sykes, 46, of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, will now be sentenced for the rape at Sheffield Crown Court next month.

The victim, a 16-year-old girl was making her way home from Kimberworth at about 11pm on October 19, 1981, after spending an evening with friends. The bus service she wanted to catch had been cancelled, so she walked the rest of the way home.

As she walked along Canklow Road, Sykes – then 17 – walked past her and then turned to follow her. He then grabbed her from behind, dragged her to some scrubland at the side of the road and raped her.

After the attack, the distressed girl ran along the road and attracted the attention of two men in a passing car. The men – who have never been identified – took her home.

The rape was reviewed by South Yorkshire Police's cold case team in 2009, and were able to match Sykes's DNA back to the 1981 attack. At the time he lived in Canklow, Rotherham.

Det Sgt Ian Harding, who leads South Yorkshire Police's cold case team, said: "The victim had mentally prepared herself for this case going to trial and was ready to give her evidence.

"The change of plea is a great surprise to her. This lady is now spared the ordeal of re-living her nightmare in the witness box and is relieved to see the incident brought to a conclusion.

"I am aware of the devastating effect the attack has had on this lady. We wish her the very best and hope that Sykes's conviction helps her to face the future with more confidence.

"This is another great result which brings the total to 10 rapists and one murderer, brought to justice by the cold case team."