A judge had ruled that Dennis Coles, 73, was unfit to stand trial for medical reasons, and so could not receive a criminal conviction.
Instead, the case was heard as a trial of fact and the jury concluded Coles was ‘responsible for the act’.
A trial of facts is a public hearing to determine whether an accused committed the acts alleged. They can either be found ‘not guilty’ or ‘responsible for the act’.
Detective Constable Aimee Thomas, from South Wales Police, said:
“In November 1977, a young girl was walking home from Girl Guides in Rumney, Cardiff, when she was attacked by a stranger.
“There was an investigation at the time, and a man who maintained he had raped her was arrested. However, his blood group was later found not to match the semen found at the scene and he was acquitted.
“In 2019, we commenced a review into this case and thanks to the application of advanced technology and additional forensic work, Dennis Coles was identified from DNA on the victim’s underwear.”
Coles was arrested in July 2021 and charged in September 2022.
This week, at Cardiff Crown Court, Coles received a two-year supervision order.
In a statement to the court, the victim, said:
“It has been frustrating and infuriating having to go back through this, as I have had to live through this ordeal not once, but twice. But it has made me stronger knowing that justice has finally been served.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has worked tirelessly on the case and to those behind the scenes. To finally get justice is appreciated, especially to Detective Aimee Thomas and my SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) case worker Courtney.”
South Wales Police takes all reports of sexual violence extremely seriously and it is never too late to report a crime.
South Wales Police said they often re-look at cases as forensic science develops and would encourage any victims; no matter how long ago the offence happened, to come forward.
DC Thomas added:
“The victim has been patient, positive and courageous throughout this process and I am so glad she finally has the justice she deserves.”
Since 2000, the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Review Unit has been researching undetected serious crimes across South Wales dating back many decades.
The unit has been recognised nationally and has previously pioneered cold case investigative techniques.
