DAVID BULLOCK, BRANSHOLME, HULL: MASKED RAPIST CAUGHT AFTER 30 YEARS OF ESCAPE

In a significant breakthrough for cold case investigations, authorities have finally apprehended David Bullock, a man responsible for a brutal assault that occurred nearly three decades ago in Bransholme, Hull. The case, which had remained unresolved for 28 years, was reopened and solved thanks to advances in forensic technology and the diligent efforts of Humberside Police's specialized cold case team, Operation Fox.

Back in March 2011, it was reported that Bullock, then aged 17, had committed a heinous crime against a 16-year-old girl in her own home. The incident took place in the suburb of Bransholme, where Bullock broke into her residence wearing a balaclava. Armed with a knife, he threatened her at knifepoint while she was sleeping, and then proceeded to sexually assault her. The attack was particularly shocking not only because of its brutality but also because it occurred just seven months after Bullock had been released from Borstal, a youth detention center, where he had served time for a similar sex-related offense.

At the time of his arrest, Bullock was known to live on Cleve Drive in Bransholme, an area close to where his victim resided. His criminal record was already marked by a previous conviction for indecent assault on a 31-year-old woman, whom he had also broken into and threatened with a carving fork before physically assaulting her when she resisted.

It was not until 2007 that Bullock’s DNA was collected in connection with an unrelated criminal damage case. This DNA sample was later matched to the evidence from the 1982 attack, leading to his identification as the perpetrator of the long-unsolved crime. The breakthrough came after nearly 30 years of investigation, highlighting the importance of persistent forensic work and the value of cold case units in bringing justice to victims.

Following his identification, Bullock was arrested and brought before Hull Crown Court. He subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated burglary and the rape of the young girl. During the court proceedings, the judge, Recorder Guy Kearle, described the attack as a terrifying ordeal for the victim, emphasizing that she was likely terrified and begged Bullock to stop during the assault. The judge noted that her suffering extended over a period of more than 25 years, profoundly affecting her life.

In sentencing, Bullock, now aged 48, was sentenced to seven years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, expressed her relief at finally seeing her attacker brought to justice. She stated, “This man tore my life to pieces and turned my world upside down. It ended my schooling and I left with no qualifications after this. He destroyed my life. I’ve spent the last 28 years not feeling safe in my own home. I’ve even left traps behind doors when I go to bed because I’m afraid it’ll happen again. It really traumatised me and I never got over it. When the police told me they’d caught him, it was a dream come true. I’ve been living a nightmare for 28 years.”

Detective Superintendent Dena Fleming, head of Operation Fox, commented on the case, saying, “She was in fear for her life. She was little more than a child and the memory of that night has stayed with her for 28 years.” The case underscores the importance of perseverance in criminal investigations and the impact of forensic science in delivering justice, even after many years have passed.