A rapist has been jailed for life after he was caught by a one-in-a-billion DNA match linking him to an attack on a young woman more than 20 years ago.

James John Robertson, of Spring Street, Rishton, assaulted and raped the woman in Kent.

The victim reported the assault but nobody was charged.

After cold case officers re-examined DNA samples taken from the victim, Robertson, 58, was charged with rape, actual bodily harm and indecent assault in March 2010.

Robertson pleaded not guilty to the charges at Canterbury Crown Court but after a 13-day trial, the jury found him guilty. He was sentenced to life in prison, and must serve a minimum term of seven and a half years.

Judge Adele Williams told him: “You are a depraved and dangerous man.

“You acted in a cold and calculated manner. You have perverted tendencies and you have shown no remorse.

“You will remain in prison until it is considered you no longer remain a danger to women.”

The woman had been out with friends in Canterbury but had an argument with a friend.

Robertson approached her and offered  her a lift home. He drove out of the city to rural locations where, for over two hours, he assaulted and raped her.

Kent police said that with the help of the latest scientific techniques, DNA matched  Robertson in a ratio of one billion to one.

Robertson’s DNA was already on the database after he was convicted of grievous bodily harm in 2002. 

He was released in 2006 and lived in the north west until his arrest in 2010.

He had also previously been convicted of murder in Scotland and of assaulting a police officer in 1971. He was released in 1982.

Detective Inspector David Withers said: “The young woman went through a terrible ordeal. 

“Supported by her family, she has bravely re-lived that ordeal by giving evidence before a jury over two days.”

Sally Hill, a senior cold case scientist from the Forensic Science Service said: “Advances in DNA pioneered by the FSS enabled us to go back and look again at the evidence in this case.

“We are very pleased that we have been able to assist Kent by providing them with a new lead which ultimately resulted in the successful conviction of James Robertson.”