DETECTIVES are reviewing hundreds of cases in West Yorkshire stretching back three decades – and warned they will catch up with the criminals.
The news of the cold case operation, which could involve up to 1,700 crimes, comes in the wake of a court case for a Huddersfield rape dating back to 1987.
Thomas Madigan is starting a six-year jail term, having admitting raping a woman in her Bradley Mills home in 1987.
He was caught using new DNA techniques 21 years after the original crime.
Now police have confirmed they are reviewing offences as far back as 1974 as part of the cold case operation.
Det Supt Colin Prime, head of Operation Recall, said: “The public can be assured that where crimes have been committed we will continue to review the files over and over again if necessary in the light of advances in scientific techniques.
“We are looking at 1,700 historic serious sex offences and I think those responsible should be very worried.
“The technology we have at our fingertips right now is incredible – and who can say what other technology may be around the corner in another two years time?
“There may well be no hiding place for criminals in future."
Madigan’s victim was so traumatised by knowing that her attacker was still as large that she moved house.
She said after the sentencing: “I remember him hitting me, in the face and in the head. I lay there and let him do what he wanted.
“Now I can let go. I can never forget but he will serve his time and I can let go”.
Forensic evidence collected at the time was retained in cold storage at the Forensic Science Service Laboratory at Wetherby.
Following new checks last year Madigan's DNA was found to match. When questioned he accepted that at the time he was a burglar and had raided a house in the street where the victim lived, but he denied committing offences that night or being the rapist.
But in court Madigan, 48, of Blackmoorfoot Road, Crosland Moor, pleaded guilty to rape. His lawyer indicated he did not want his victim to have to relive her ordeal.
