ANDREW EVERTON SENTENCED IN DUDLEY FOR COLD CASE SEX ATTACK FROM 1992

In a significant development in cold case investigations, Andrew Everton, a man with no fixed address from Dudley, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for a brutal sexual assault that took place over a decade ago. The attack, which occurred in December 1992, involved Everton threatening a 14-year-old girl at knifepoint and assaulting her in Dudley town centre, located in the Black Country region.

Everton’s conviction was made possible through the advancements in DNA technology, which played a crucial role in linking him to the crime scene. The case was reopened as part of Operation Advance, a nationwide initiative led by police forces and the Forensic Science Service aimed at solving long-standing, unresolved cases. The breakthrough came after forensic samples collected from the scene were re-examined in August of the previous year, leading to Everton’s arrest.

During the hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, it was revealed that Everton’s criminal activities spanned a period of approximately six months, during which he engaged in a series of violent crimes. The court heard that during the assault, Everton held a Stanley knife to the victim’s face, a detail that underscored the severity and intimidation involved in the attack. The victim, now aged 26, bravely attended court to witness Everton being sentenced, and her presence was commended by Judge Robert Orme for her courage.

The prosecution, led by Sybil Thomas, provided additional context about Everton’s criminal history. It was disclosed that in 1994, Everton had previously been sentenced to eight years in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court for the rape of a prostitute, an offence committed at gunpoint. Furthermore, Everton had admitted to a horrific spree of over 160 burglaries and robberies, highlighting a pattern of violent and acquisitive crimes. Despite this extensive criminal record, the attack on the teenage girl remained unlinked until the recent forensic breakthrough.

Details of the 1992 assault were vividly described in court. The victim was forcibly dragged into an alleyway, where she was partially stripped and beaten on waste ground. The trauma of the incident was compounded by the fact that Everton had stalked and seized her during that evening, actions that left a lasting impact on her life. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offences, ordering Everton to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes.

Everton’s defense attorney, Rod Henderson, argued for leniency, suggesting that his client’s actions were influenced by drug use and a period of personal turmoil, often described as going “off the rails.” However, the court’s decision underscored the importance of justice for the victim and the community’s safety, leading to Everton’s imprisonment and lifelong registration as a sex offender.