The man arrested for the rape and sex abuse of a 18-year old girl over 30 years ago was caught on camera laughing. He has been finally taken into custody.
Paul Shakespeare, aged 66 and from Scaleby Close in Upperby in Carlisle, threatened her teenager with a sharpened, nail-driven stick while she was walking her dog along a Cheltenham footpath.
The predator pulled the young lady into nearby bushels where he raped and threatened to kill her if she spoke out.
After flashing his hand at a Carlisle woman, the 66-year old had been evading investigators for over 30 years. He was finally arrested in June.
After being taken into custody his DNA was collected and the detectives found a match with the historical rape case.
Yesterday, Gloucester Crown Court heard that Shakespeare had been identified by Cheltenham as the man responsible for the rape of an 18-year old Cheltenham woman on April 29, 1990.
Paul Shakespeare, aged 66 from Carlisle, confessed to raping a 18-year old girl, who was walking her dog 30+ years before he was discovered via DNA matching
The victim was raped by him and he also admitted to the offense of possessing an offensive weapon.
It was described as an “adapted wooden stick with sharpened ends and protruding nails”
Virginia Cornwall, the Prosecutor said that her 18-year old victim had been walking along Honeybourne’s footpath in April 1990 when Shakespeare approached her.
She had seen him before spying on the young ladies and girls who passed him. She noticed that he was grasping the stick and scratching at its surface.
“She estimated that he was about 50 yards away from her when he approached her. He had singled out her.
“She was sitting on the wall, her dog beside her. Shakespeare came to her. Although she smelled alcohol, he spoke clearly to her and didn’t slur his words.
“He ordered her to stand up, and she did. But not before he pulled out his stick. He made threats to her and threatened her with the knife, warning her that if she said anything else he would shoot her.
“He took her to some nearby bush and started raping her.”
Shakespeare threatened Shakespeare the teenage girl with a sharpened sticks (pictured), which had a nail through it. She was out walking her dog in Cheltenham on April 9, 1990.
According to the court, after having raped the victim, he then threatened her with more violence and stated that he had details about where her home and work and promised her that he would kill anyone who tells him.
The police were informed. Officers found the woman traumatized by the experience, and extremely anxious. A woman was examined by doctors and DNA was taken.
Shakespeare didn’t have any criminal records at the time, so it was impossible to identify him.
It was saved and Shakespeare was arrested last year after being inflicted again by an act of violence. He had sex with a Carlisle girl. At the time, he had a knife.
Today, the 50-year-old victim of rape was present in court to watch Shakespeare’s sentence hearing. She also gave a victim impact report with Shakespeare.
Shakespeare was told by Judge Michael Cullum that he was relieved to see the victim. Since her 30th birthday, she’s been living with the terror you created for her. This nightmare doesn’t end when she is sentenced.
“She was certain that this day would arrive and she has shown remarkable faith in criminal justice. You will at least keep her and other women safe for a significant amount of time.
“Today, 30 years later is still a late reckoning. Traumatizing the experiences of your victim would make any woman feel helpless.
“You’re a rapist.” However, it’s not common for defendants to plead guilty before going on trial.
“Your physical state means you’re unlikely to be a danger to women after you’re released from prison.”
Judge Cullum sent Shakespeare to nine-years in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the rest his life.
The judge ordered destruction and forfeiture of an offensive weapon, the sharpened knife.
The victim stated that yesterday’s hearing had been a success and thanked Gloucestershire Constabulary.
“The police responded quickly to the incident and throughout the years have assured me that they will continue their efforts.
Shakespeare laughed at officers telling him that he was being held on suspicion of having raped a teenage girl in 1990, during his August arrest (pictured).
“Gloucestershire Constabulary was respectful of my wishes during the investigation. I felt it important to mention that it was not forgotten about me and was treated with the utmost seriousness. I also appreciate the help I have received.
Simone Bowley was Detective Constable. She said, “This was a horrifying and terrible incident that happened to a young girl walking her dog on Sunday afternoon.”
“She was an extraordinary young woman, her courage has not faltered since.
‘From the first day she cooperated with the police. When the case was reopened, she worked together with us and we reviewed the information. In the hopes that he would one day be caught.
“I feel happy that her day is here and hope she gets the closure that she has been waiting for for many years.”
Mike Wilson (now 74), a retired Detective Sergeant, stated that the case has been with him since he quit the force.
He explained that although he had been involved in many police investigations in his 31-year career, this horrible crime was always at the back of his mind.
It was heart-breaking to witness the distraught victim when I first met her.
The media provided crucial support and publicity that resulted more than 60 witness testimony. However, this day did not come and no name was put forward.
It was fantastic to hear that DNA matches had finally been found more than 30 decades later.
“I wish that the brave victim of this horrible crime will be able to see the perpetrator behind bars. He has been deserved that place since 1990.
“The message of this article is to never lose heart, that there’s always hope for victims and that those responsible for such terrible crimes will still be searched until they’re caught.