In June 1990, a woman in her 20s was dragged into Barnes Park, in Sunderland, and violently attacked by a stranger, who threatened to kill her.

Despite a huge manhunt at the time, and a media campaign which included an artist's impression of the attacker, he was never caught.

But 18 years later, William Bates's DNA profile was matched to the crime scene and he is now finally behind bars.

Bates, who was arrested as part of Northumbria Police's Operation Phoenix – which re-investigates cold cases using new technology and advances in DNA – had denied rape but was found guilty by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

During his trial the 40-year-old, of Titchfield Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, claimed he had consensual sex with the woman that night and suggested she might have been raped by somebody else after their liaison.

But prosecutor Penny Moreland told jurors: "Nothing happened to her that night, except she was attacked in Barnes Park by this defendant.

"She told the truth, and has been telling the truth for 18 years about the events of that night."

After five and a half hours of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of rape by a majority of 11-1.

Judge Richard Lowden jailed Bates, who remained expressionless as the guilty verdict was announced, for nine years and said he must register as a sex offender for life.

The judge told him: "Rape is a serious offence and attracts a long sentence of imprisonment.

"This is a very bad offence of its type. The aggravating features being, she was abducted from the street and dragged into a park.

"No one can imagine what a nightmare it must have been.

"She had extensive injuries covering the majority of her body and you threatened to kill her.

"She must have feared for her life, and it has had a drastic effect on her for the rest of her life."

Speaking after the verdict, the victim, who had to relive her ordeal by giving evidence against Bates, said; "This has been worth it. I
am pleased I went through with this."