Cold Case Killer Kenneth Wells Guilty of 1980 Rape and Burglary
Kenneth Wells, 63, from Salisbury, has finally pleaded guilty to a chilling crime that haunted a village for over 40 years. At Salisbury Crown Court today, Wells admitted to burglary, rape, and false imprisonment in a case dating back to the early hours of 6 November 1980.
Victim Locked In Her Own Home After Brutal Attack
Victim Violet Brown, who lived alone in Collingbourne Ducis, was violently attacked in her own bedroom. She was woken to the sound of Wells breaking into her house. He raped her and then locked her inside before escaping.
Ms Brown was trapped until morning when she finally alerted neighbours and the police. Wells was immediately suspected but slipped through the cracks due to insufficient evidence at the time.
Breakthrough After Decades Thanks to DNA Technology
Wiltshire Police never gave up on the case. Despite Ms Brown’s tragic death in 1996, investigators kept the file open and reviewed the evidence regularly. Last summer, the Major Crime Investigation Team reopened the cold case and used cutting-edge DNA technology to match Wells directly to the crime scene.
He was arrested at his Salisbury home on 29 June 2021 and charged after forensic breakthroughs confirmed his guilt.
Justice at Last for Victim Gone Too Soon
“This horrendous attack had a lasting impact on Ms Brown,” said Detective Chief Inspector Darren Hannant. “She was never comfortable in her own home and moved out soon after. The trauma affected her quality of life significantly.”
“Even though she is no longer with us, Ms Brown has been in our thoughts throughout this investigation. We were determined to bring her attacker to justice.”
Kenneth Wells remains in custody ahead of his sentencing on Friday 1 October. After more than four decades, justice may finally be served.
