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13/01/2010
Jail For 1989 Rapist
A rapist who attacked his victims in the stairwells of two south London blocks of flats in 1989 has been jailed for 11 years.
Andrew Thompson, 43, of Othello Court, Old Hospital Close, London, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape on 5 November 2009.
Using upgraded DNA samples taken from the victims immediately after the attacks, officers were able to identify Thompson when the case files were reopened.
DC Alyson Suddick, who led the Met Police's cold case investigation, said: "Thompson preyed on two complete strangers, both of whom suffered severe psychological trauma as a result of their experiences.
"Thanks to technological advances since 1989 we have been able to bring him to justice, and it is only right that this vicious predator should face the consequences of his actions."
Thompson's first attack took place in Clapham, on 23 June 1989, in the block of flats where his then 36-year-old victim lived with her young daughter.
He struck again on the night of 24 November in Battersea, grabbing the 35-year-old victim as she walked past a stairwell on her way to a friend's flat and then raping her.
In both cases the victims went on to suffer emotional breakdowns soon after the attacks.
The victim in the second incident committed suicide 11 years later.
Forensic samples taken from both the victims provided a DNA profile which linked the attacks, however no suspect could be identified.
With no other witnesses or leads the trail went cold and the investigations were brought to a close.
A match with Thompson was obtained after he had been cautioned for a minor drugs offence in 2001.
Thompson was arrested on 18 May 2009 and charged with both rapes, which he denied committing.
Then, on 5 November, 2009, four days before the scheduled start of his trial at Southwark Crown Court, he pleaded guilty on both fronts.
Thompson was sentenced to 11 years on each count of rape. to run concurrently. His name was also placed on the sex offenders register, for life.
He was found not guilty on two counts of false imprisonment following a direction from the judge.
(PR/GK)
Andrew Thompson, 43, of Othello Court, Old Hospital Close, London, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape on 5 November 2009.
Using upgraded DNA samples taken from the victims immediately after the attacks, officers were able to identify Thompson when the case files were reopened.
DC Alyson Suddick, who led the Met Police's cold case investigation, said: "Thompson preyed on two complete strangers, both of whom suffered severe psychological trauma as a result of their experiences.
"Thanks to technological advances since 1989 we have been able to bring him to justice, and it is only right that this vicious predator should face the consequences of his actions."
Thompson's first attack took place in Clapham, on 23 June 1989, in the block of flats where his then 36-year-old victim lived with her young daughter.
He struck again on the night of 24 November in Battersea, grabbing the 35-year-old victim as she walked past a stairwell on her way to a friend's flat and then raping her.
In both cases the victims went on to suffer emotional breakdowns soon after the attacks.
The victim in the second incident committed suicide 11 years later.
Forensic samples taken from both the victims provided a DNA profile which linked the attacks, however no suspect could be identified.
With no other witnesses or leads the trail went cold and the investigations were brought to a close.
A match with Thompson was obtained after he had been cautioned for a minor drugs offence in 2001.
Thompson was arrested on 18 May 2009 and charged with both rapes, which he denied committing.
Then, on 5 November, 2009, four days before the scheduled start of his trial at Southwark Crown Court, he pleaded guilty on both fronts.
Thompson was sentenced to 11 years on each count of rape. to run concurrently. His name was also placed on the sex offenders register, for life.
He was found not guilty on two counts of false imprisonment following a direction from the judge.
(PR/GK)
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