Michael O’Meara, a convicted Rapist sex offender from Coventry, has been sentenced to imprisonment for the rape of a lady in the city 35 years prior.
Michael O’Meara was incarcerated last week after admitting guilt to the rape that occurred on Silver Street in July 1989.
On the day of the incident, the woman he assaulted was in the city centre with companions.
While traversing Silver Street in search of a taxi, Michael O’Meara forcibly led her into a quiet location and assaulted her at knifepoint.
Despite a thorough investigation at the time, no evidence of a suspect was discovered for over thirty years until a cold case review was conducted this year.
Forensic evidence collected during the incident was reanalysed and, owing to substantial advancements in forensic science, was connected to Michael O’Meara.
Armed with a complete DNA profile, Michael O’Meara, a man with prior convictions for sexual assault from the 1990s, was apprehended.
Although he denied the wrongdoing throughout the interview, Michael O’Meara was charged and entered a guilty plea on 7 November.
Michael O’Meara, aged 58, was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment for rape on 9 December at Warwick Crown Court.
DC Ryan Ahern, who led the investigation, said: “This was a harrowing and horrific attack which Michael O’Meara truly believed he had gotten away with.
“But thanks to significant leaps forward in forensic science over the last four decades, we were able to re-examine the evidence and prove his guilt.
“On behalf of the whole team involved in this investigation, we hope the survivor of this attack can find some closure knowing justice has finally been done.”
We have dedicated officers across the West Midlands whose job it is to investigate non-recent sex offences.
No matter how long ago the offence happened, we encourage all survivors to come forward and tell their story with the promise we will investigate any possible lines of enquiry.
In the new year, West Midlands Police will be increasing its service to review cold case rapes and serious sexual offence cases to ensure survivors are not forgotten about and deliver the justice they so rightly deserve.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.