POLICE welcomed the sentence given to rapist Thomas Madigan – and pledged to continue tracking down old cases.
Det Insp Jim Dunkerly from the homicide and major enquiry team, said: "It is a very good result for the police, forensic science service and the victim, as a lot of time has been devoted to the investigation of what was a serious sexual assault on a middle-aged lady in her own home.
"The judge has also taken the aggravating factors, such as the degree of violence used, into account in passing sentence.
"For us, this case demonstrates that no matter how long ago an unsolved crime was committed the matter is never closed as we will always continue to review and reinvestigate.
"This is just one of the many cases on which we are using new technologies as part of Operation Recall."
Cathy Turner, consultant forensic scientist for the forensic science service, said: "It is extremely satisfying for us to have helped West Yorkshire Police achieve the conviction of Thomas Madigan after more than 21 years.
"DNA technology was in its very infancy when Madigan committed his crime, but the enormous strides forward in this field, pioneered by the FSS, have helped West Yorkshire to finally bring him to justice.
"We will continue to work with West Yorkshire's Cold Case Unit to ensure that other offenders, who think they have got away with their crimes, are brought before the courts."
Det Supt Colin Prime said: "As a result of forensic advances we were able to identify Madigan in a brutal rape that happened over 20 years ago.
"We sincerely hope this will bring some comfort and closure to the victim."
