DONALD ROBERTSON AND HIS BRUTAL CRIMES IN SLOUGH AND TAPLOW LAKE
| Red Rose Database
Slough Rapist
A serial sex offender whose predatory activities spanned over 26 years has been convicted in connection with the murder of Shani Warren in 1987, along with the kidnapping and sexual assault of a second victim six years earlier. The verdict was delivered by the jury at Reading Crown Court, where Donald Robertson, aged 66, was found guilty of multiple heinous crimes including the false imprisonment, indecent assault, and murder of Shani Warren, as well as the kidnapping and rape of a 16-year-old girl.
Shani Warren's body was discovered on April 18, 1987, at the edge of Taplow Lake near Slough. She was found with her wrists and ankles tied and her mouth gagged. An initial autopsy by a forensic pathologist determined that her death resulted from drowning, with strong indications that strangulation might have occurred beforehand. The pathologistâs conclusion suggested that Ms. Warren might have committed suicide, as there were no signs of sexual assault or defensive wounds, and it was possible that she had bound herself. Despite these findings, authorities continued to investigate the case as suspicious. An inquest held in 1987 returned an open verdict, meaning the cause of death remained unresolved.
Six years prior, a 16-year-old girl was assaulted and raped while walking home in Slough. At the time, Donald Robertson was arrested in connection with the incident. However, he was released after the victim failed to identify him during an identity parade. Although she subsequently identified him to the police directly, procedural limitations of that era meant that this identification could not be used to formally charge Robertson. Itâs important to note that this period saw limited forensic technology, which hindered the ability to link him conclusively to the crimes.
Recent advancements in forensic science and DNA analysis played a pivotal role in re-examining these cold cases. A dedicated team from Thames Valley Police revisited the unsolved case involving Shani Warren. New forensic tests uncovered traces of Robertsonâs DNA on a gag found in Ms. Warrenâs mouthâa piece that was not swabbed during the initial investigationâas well as on her bra. A pioneering review by forensic pathologists concluded that someone else might have been involved in her death, casting doubt on earlier assumptions.
Furthermore, evidence collected in 1981 from the clothing of the other victim was also subjected to DNA testing, which resulted in a profile matching Robertson. This scientifically compelling evidence became the cornerstone of the prosecutionâs case during the trial. It was reinforced by testimonies recounting Ms. Warrenâs state of mind and life circumstances leading up to her death, provided by individuals who knew her well.
The prosecution argued that the positive identification of Robertson by the second victim immediately following her assault was admissible evidence. Additionally, Robertsonâs long history of sexual offences spanning over three decades was introduced to demonstrate a pattern of predatory behavior. The DNA evidence made it clear that the connection was not coincidental, further cementing his guilt.
Robbie Weber, spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service, characterized Robertson as a dangerous and deadly predator who had attacked women over nearly 30 years, often employing violent threats to control his victims. In Warrenâs case, his actions tragically resulted in her death. Weber emphasized that modern forensic science provided crucial breakthroughs in these cases, linking Robertson conclusively to both the murder and the assault, and that these findings were instrumental in securing the guilty verdicts.
The entire case was supported by emotional testimonies from those close to Shani Warren and the other victim, whose patience and hope for justice have endured for many years. The courtâs decision marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for these longstanding victims, and the authorities expressed their commitment to continue cracking down on offenders of this nature.
Shani Warren's body was discovered on April 18, 1987, at the edge of Taplow Lake near Slough. She was found with her wrists and ankles tied and her mouth gagged. An initial autopsy by a forensic pathologist determined that her death resulted from drowning, with strong indications that strangulation might have occurred beforehand. The pathologistâs conclusion suggested that Ms. Warren might have committed suicide, as there were no signs of sexual assault or defensive wounds, and it was possible that she had bound herself. Despite these findings, authorities continued to investigate the case as suspicious. An inquest held in 1987 returned an open verdict, meaning the cause of death remained unresolved.
Six years prior, a 16-year-old girl was assaulted and raped while walking home in Slough. At the time, Donald Robertson was arrested in connection with the incident. However, he was released after the victim failed to identify him during an identity parade. Although she subsequently identified him to the police directly, procedural limitations of that era meant that this identification could not be used to formally charge Robertson. Itâs important to note that this period saw limited forensic technology, which hindered the ability to link him conclusively to the crimes.
Recent advancements in forensic science and DNA analysis played a pivotal role in re-examining these cold cases. A dedicated team from Thames Valley Police revisited the unsolved case involving Shani Warren. New forensic tests uncovered traces of Robertsonâs DNA on a gag found in Ms. Warrenâs mouthâa piece that was not swabbed during the initial investigationâas well as on her bra. A pioneering review by forensic pathologists concluded that someone else might have been involved in her death, casting doubt on earlier assumptions.
Furthermore, evidence collected in 1981 from the clothing of the other victim was also subjected to DNA testing, which resulted in a profile matching Robertson. This scientifically compelling evidence became the cornerstone of the prosecutionâs case during the trial. It was reinforced by testimonies recounting Ms. Warrenâs state of mind and life circumstances leading up to her death, provided by individuals who knew her well.
The prosecution argued that the positive identification of Robertson by the second victim immediately following her assault was admissible evidence. Additionally, Robertsonâs long history of sexual offences spanning over three decades was introduced to demonstrate a pattern of predatory behavior. The DNA evidence made it clear that the connection was not coincidental, further cementing his guilt.
Robbie Weber, spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service, characterized Robertson as a dangerous and deadly predator who had attacked women over nearly 30 years, often employing violent threats to control his victims. In Warrenâs case, his actions tragically resulted in her death. Weber emphasized that modern forensic science provided crucial breakthroughs in these cases, linking Robertson conclusively to both the murder and the assault, and that these findings were instrumental in securing the guilty verdicts.
The entire case was supported by emotional testimonies from those close to Shani Warren and the other victim, whose patience and hope for justice have endured for many years. The courtâs decision marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for these longstanding victims, and the authorities expressed their commitment to continue cracking down on offenders of this nature.