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Double rapist caught after 'cold case' review
12.10.09
A vicious double rapist who attacked a pensioner before targeting and tying up a young au pair was jailed for nine years today.
Stephen Johnstone, 50, spent nearly two decades convinced he had got away with his crimes until a "cold case" police review and a DNA match identified him as the culprit.
He first struck in September 1989 in Bexleyheath, Kent, when he spotted a 62-year-old widow in her home, London's Southwark Crown Court heard.
Once her son had left, he forced some French windows and crept into the bedroom where she was resting.
"When she asked him what he was doing there, he threatened her," said Michael Mulkerrins, prosecuting.
"But he said if she did what she was told, nothing untoward would happen."
However, after demanding jewellery and money, he ordered her to partially strip and raped her.
"As he carried out the attack she asked him 'How would you like this to happen to your mother?'. She felt that may have had some effect because he stopped."
But he still robbed her, first ordering her to take off her husband's wedding ring which she had worn since his death years earlier, and then pocketing £20 from a bedside table.
The barrister said a month later Johnstone struck again.
This time he attacked a 25-year-old au pair in Barnet, north London.
She was home alone when he knocked on the door asking for directions.
He then left, only to return shortly afterwards and mumble something about his car, before "forcibly pushing the door open and entering the house".
"She tried to scream but he placed his hand over her mouth and punched her twice to the left side of her cheek.
"After telling her he had a knife - although she never saw one - he dragged her upstairs to the main bedroom, threw her onto the bed, bound her hand and foot with ties and put a sock in her mouth."
He then began rifling through drawers, but when he realised she was watching him he blindfolded her with a pair of stockings.
The court heard she passed out shortly afterwards. When she woke up, she realised she had been raped.
Johnstone's DNA was recovered after each attack, but despite a major police investigation he remained free.
Then, in 2001, he was arrested for driving while disqualified and ordered to provide another DNA sample.
That, too, was kept on file until matched to the 1989 attacks during a recent case review.
Johnstone, of William Philips Drive, Montrose, Angus, admitted two counts of rape, as well as robbery, burglary and causing actual bodily harm.
Judge Anthony Pitts told him: "This was such an horrendous crime, there is no alternative but to impose a substantial prison sentence."
Reader views (1)
I have always been against a national DNA database but this sort of case does rather force me to think again. Whilst the database won't prevent crime it sure makes it easier to track the crooks down.
Interesting how it took the "plods" 8 years to realise they had the man on file. I suppose the database runs on a microsoft system!!!!
- Steve, London
