Cold Case Breakthrough: Police Hunt Godalming Rapist After 40 Years
Nearly four decades after a terrifying assault in Godalming, police have a fresh lead. A 16-year-old girl was attacked in broad daylight back in 1983, and her attacker vanished without a trace. Now, cutting-edge forensic science has produced a DNA profile of the culprit. Surrey Police have relaunched the case and are calling on the public to help bring the rapist to justice.
Attack in Broad Daylight Near Football Club
The assault happened around 4pm on Monday, 20 June 1983. The victim was sitting on the grass, reading near Godalming Town Football Club and Broadwater Park Golf Club car park. A middle-aged man with a dog approached her before launching the attack.
After the assault, the suspect calmly picked up his dog — described as a terrier, possibly a Yorkshire terrier — and walked off towards the main A3100 Guildford to Godalming road.
Distinctive Suspect Description
- White male, 40-50 years old, slim with a noticeable paunch
- About 5ft 10in tall, light grey hair, moustache, and short beard
- Had a small terrier-type dog, carried under his arm
An e-fit was created at the time but failed to produce any solid leads.
New DNA Evidence Spurs Fresh Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Jo Hayes said: “Although many years have passed since this crime, we hope local residents can help. Advances in forensic science have given us a DNA profile, so any names can be quickly checked.”
“We’re urging anyone who remembers someone walking a terrier in 1983 who fits this description to come forward. Also, we’re trying to trace an older woman seen near the scene who may be a witness.”
“The victim endured a horrific ordeal, and we owe it to her to find the person responsible. If relations with the offender have since broken down, someone close might now feel able to help. We guarantee absolute confidentiality.”
How to Help Catch the Godalming Rapist
If you have any information, contact Surrey Police on 101 and quote Operation Fresco, reference PR/45170055029.
Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Unsolved cases like this one are regularly revisited to exploit new forensic advances. Thanks to sophisticated DNA profiling, police are closer than ever to finally cracking the case.
