Man Found Responsible for 1977 Rape of 11-Year-Old Girl in Cardiff

Denis Coles, 73, was deemed unfit to stand trial but identified through new DNA techniques and given a supervision order.

Denis Coles, now 73, was found responsible for the 1977 rape of an 11-year-old girl in Cardiff after a 'trial of the facts.'
Coles was unable to stand trial due to cognitive impairment but was linked to the crime through advanced DNA analysis.
The victim, who remains anonymous, described the attack as 'the most traumatic night of my life' and said she is still 'going through hell.'
Coles was given a two-year supervision order and must sign the sex offenders register, as the judge considered the safety of others in his care home.
The case was reopened in 2019, leading to Coles' arrest in 2021, showcasing the effectiveness of modern forensic technology in solving cold cases.