A RAPIST who went unpunished for more than two decades was starting a sixyear prison sentence last night after justice finally caught up with him.

Neil Haigh attacked and raped a woman who was walking to a Sunday morning service at Durham Cathedral on September 20, 1987.

Despite a major police investigation, Haigh was only arrested last November following a cold case review.

A DNA sample taken from the woman’s clothing was found to match Haigh’s, which police had on file following a drink-driving offence.

Sentencing Haigh, 44, of Park Avenue, Coxhoe, County Durham, at Durham Crown Court yesterday, Judge Christopher Prince said the case demonstrated the success of cold case reviews by the police.

Afterwards, Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Scott said: “Criminals like this will never be forgotten about.

“This sends the message that forces like Durham will progress every opportunity they can to give some closure to victims.”

The court heard how Haigh’s victim feared she was going to be murdered and believes she will never get over the attack.

She felt she was bargaining for her life during the terrifying incident, and despite much counselling since she still has nightmares about seeing Haigh again.

In a statement read out in court, she said it had had a devastating effect on her sex life and affected subsequent relationships.

She finds it difficult to cope with life, trust men or have people walking behind her.

The 35-year-old, who lived in the Durham area but has since moved away, wrote: “I was left terrified for my life.

“Initially, I could not get the rape out of my mind.

“I don’t think I will ever get over the effects of what this man has done to me. It will be with me for the rest of my life.”

The woman was descending steps towards Durham’s Prebends Bridge at about 10am when she was attacked, the court heard.

Haigh put a hand over her mouth, saying “Don’t make a noise, don’t struggle,” David Crooks, prosecuting, said.

He dragged her into undergrowth and made her lie on the ground.

“She said she wouldn’t go to the police if he didn’t hurt her.

She thought she was bargaining for her life,” Mr Crooks said.

Haigh then raped her, before taking her handbag and leaving.

The woman cannot remember how long the incident lasted but she was in a state of shock and felt contaminated, Mr Crooks said.

The woman was given anti- HIV drugs and emergency contraception and tested for sexually-transmitted infections.

Haigh pleaded guilty to rape and attempted robbery.

Stephen Duffield, for Haigh, said his client’s initial motivation was money.

Haigh has not since been a sex offender and feels remorseful about what happened, he added.

Sentencing, Judge Prince told Haigh: “You knew exactly what you were doing that day and you knew such offending would have such an effect on her life.”

Haigh was sentenced to six years in prison for rape and two years in prison for attempted robbery, to run concurrently.

He will be on the sex offenders’ register for life.