Met detectives secure justice for a woman using DNA evidence decades after sexual assault in Rainham

A cold case investigation by Met officers has seen a man jailed after he sexually assaulted a woman in the 1980s.

The result comes as the Met reaffirms its commitment to target predatory offenders and protect the public from harm, using precise policing.

Gary Preston, 64 (14.09.59) of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk was jailed for five years and three months at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, 18 April after pleading guilty to indecent assault and possession of a knife.

The victim-survivor – who was 25 at the time - came forward to police in January 1988 after she was attacked by a man in public toilets on Cherry Tree Lane in Rainham.

Met officers supported the victim at the time of the attack, working with her to draw up an e-fit appeal which was reported in the local media. Traces of DNA were found on her coat, but the science was in its infancy and the national DNA database was not in existence. Forensic officers held the coat in storage as a crucial part of evidence.

Following advances in forensic technology, a DNA profile was developed from the retained samples and matched to Preston in 2019.

Detective Constable Paul Hawthorn, who carried out the cold case investigation, said: "I am pleased the victim-survivor of Preston’s awful crimes has finally got the justice she deserves.

"He targeted a lone, young women for his own sexual gratification and it is right he now faces a significant time in custody.

"I hope the outcome of this case demonstrates we will do all we can to bring sexual predators to justice and sends a clear message that we will not give up, no matter the length of time that has passed, using new developments in technology to progress investigations.”

The court heard how Preston, wearing a balaclava to conceal his identity, attacked the woman, muffling her screams with a scarf. He threatened her with a knife before forcing her to commit a sexual act.

In his 2019 interview, Preston denied the claims and claimed he had dementia. Medical experts refuted this and officers used the DNA evidence to link him to the assault.

The Met is committed to tackling violence against women and girls. Read the ten-point action plan here which explains how officers will pursue predatory offenders and make spaces safer.