Particle.news
Download on the App Store

DNA Breakthrough Convicts David Sharp for 1977 Rape of Leeds Student

Sentencing is set for April 23 following a cold‑case familial DNA identification.

Overview

  • A Leeds Crown Court jury found David Sharp, 66, guilty of rape and indecent assault for the 1977 attack and he was remanded in custody.
  • The attacker smashed a window to enter a Leeds student's room on her first night in the city, wore a ski mask, assaulted her, and fled.
  • West Yorkshire Police reopened the case in 2023 and developed an offender DNA profile that initially produced no database match.
  • Familial DNA inquiries identified a relative of Sharp, and a sample taken from him matched the offender profile.
  • Detectives confirmed Sharp lived in Leeds at the time, reported his continued denial of the offence, and urged reports of historical crimes.