What's happened
Denis Coles, 73, was deemed unfit to stand trial for a 1977 rape case but was found responsible for the act in a trial of facts. He received a two-year supervision order and must register as a sex offender. The victim expressed mixed feelings about the outcome, highlighting the long-lasting trauma of the incident.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Sky News, Denis Coles was found responsible for the rape of a young girl in 1977, despite being deemed unfit to stand trial due to cognitive impairment. The jury's decision in a trial of facts means he will not face a criminal conviction but will be subject to a supervision order and must register as a sex offender. BBC News reported on the victim's emotional response, stating she felt justice was not fully served, reflecting on the trauma she endured. The Independent highlighted the advancements in forensic technology that led to Coles' identification, emphasizing the importance of revisiting cold cases. This multifaceted coverage illustrates the complexities of legal proceedings in historical sexual assault cases and the ongoing impact on victims.
How we got here
Coles was charged with rape after a cold case review in 2019 utilized advanced DNA technology, leading to his identification from evidence linked to the victim. The case had previously been dismissed due to lack of evidence against another suspect.
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