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DNA catches rapist after nearly 20 years
A SEX beast who raped a woman in her South Yorkshire home has been jailed – almost two decades after the terrifying attack.
Harry Musson, aged 56, of Foster Street, Stairfoot, Barnsley, was eventually caught after DNA taken from a member of his family linked him to the crime.
Musson was jailed for a total of 12 years at Sheffield Crown Court by Judge Alan Goldsack QC who told him: "I detect little if any remorse. You still do not appreciate the gravity of your offences."
The court heard Musson burgled the home of a 35-year-old secretary and raped her during the early hours of Sunday, September 3, 1990.
Prosecutor Jeremy Hill-Baker said he broke into her home in the Barugh Green area using a bit and brace and took two rings from a downstairs room before going upstairs.
Musson claimed he had a knife and threatened the woman before attacking her and then fleeing.
The terrified victim eventually went downstairs to alert police but Musson had ripped the phone wires from the wall.
She had to drive to a nearby friend's house where police were called.
Detectives conducted extensive enquiries but were unable to trace the attacker.
South Yorkshire Police's Cold Case Review Team started to re-examine the attack in March 2007.
Musson was asked to give his DNA after a sample from a family member was linked to evidence left at the crime scene.
Musson, who has a history of burglary offences, GBH and indecent exposure, pleaded guilty to rape and burglary.
He was jailed for eight years for the attack and four for the break in.
James Baird, defending, said Musson had recently separated from his partner and had been using steroids at the time of the attack.
Mr Baird said: "He was unable to sleep and was sweating profusely – he was bouncing off the walls."
Det Sgt Ian Harding, who runs the Cold Case Review Team, said: "This is another success for the cold case team. The woman is elated at the result and now feels she can put her ordeal behind her and move on.
"The crime of rape is always horrific but this woman suffered in her own bed in her own home, where people expect to feel safe."
South Yorkshire Police's Cold Case Team has now chalked up 79 years' imprisonment for serious offenders across South Yorkshire in two years.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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