KEITH DAVISON AND SHOCKING RAPE IN RYDE, ISLE OF WIGHT
| Red Rose Database
Isle of Wight Rapist
A man named Keith Davison has been sentenced to prison after a long investigation into a devastating sexual assault that took place in Ryde, located on the Isle of Wight. The case gained significant attention when DNA evidence, linked through familial searching techniques, ultimately implicated Davison in an alleged attack that occurred over three decades ago.
The victim, a young woman aged 24 at the time, was attacked while walking home along Ryde seafront shortly after midnight on August 4, 1990. She had just finished her shift working at a fast food outlet and was making her way back home. According to court proceedings, Davison approached her from behind, attempting to obstruct her view by covering her head with a T-shirt, and then carried out the assault. The assault left a lasting impact on the victim, who chose to remain anonymous in the legal proceedings.
For many years, police investigations into the case had yielded no breakthroughs. Despite collecting material from the crime scene in 2004, initial DNA profiling failed to find any matches on the national database. The case went cold until technological advancements in forensic science paved the way for a breakthrough nearly 16 years later. In 2006, Davison’s daughter was cautioned for an assault, and during her processing, a DNA sample was obtained. Familial searching techniques subsequently linked her sample to evidence from the original crime scene.
This significant advancement led to Keith Davison voluntarily providing a DNA sample, which ultimately matched the evidence from the 1990 attack. The court heard that Davison, then 52 and residing in Ryde at Binstead Hill, was charged after the match was confirmed.
During the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, the victim delivered emotionally charged testimony. She expressed her hope that her experience would empower other victims of sexual violence to come forward and seek justice. She remarked, “Eight years in prison is a good result but no sentence will undo the harm I have suffered. At least now I can hope to move forward. I have had suicidal thoughts.”
The victim also described her familiarity with Davison, stating that with her children attending the same school as his, she would see him occasionally across the playground. She recounted that she only caught glimpses of her attacker but always felt anxious and tried to avoid situations where he might be present.
Judge Ian Pearson addressed Davison directly during proceedings, highlighting the profound impact his actions had on the victim’s mental health. The judge noted that her life had been marred by depression, anxiety attacks, panic, and suicidal ideation. He emphasized the overwhelming scientific evidence against Davison, stating, “You challenged that evidence, but it was conclusive. You attacked a lone woman at night, blindfolded her and gagged her.”
The authorities, represented by Detective Chief Inspector Bob Maker, expressed their relief at securing justice. “This was a very serious crime, and our thoughts are with the victim and her family,” he said. “This case provides some much-needed closure for her, which remains our primary concern.”
As part of his sentence, Keith Davison was convicted of rape and sentenced to eight years in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring rigorous monitoring and restrictions following his release.
The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of forensic science in solving cold cases and bringing long-overdue justice to victims of sexual assault, regardless of how many years have passed since the crime occurred.
The victim, a young woman aged 24 at the time, was attacked while walking home along Ryde seafront shortly after midnight on August 4, 1990. She had just finished her shift working at a fast food outlet and was making her way back home. According to court proceedings, Davison approached her from behind, attempting to obstruct her view by covering her head with a T-shirt, and then carried out the assault. The assault left a lasting impact on the victim, who chose to remain anonymous in the legal proceedings.
For many years, police investigations into the case had yielded no breakthroughs. Despite collecting material from the crime scene in 2004, initial DNA profiling failed to find any matches on the national database. The case went cold until technological advancements in forensic science paved the way for a breakthrough nearly 16 years later. In 2006, Davison’s daughter was cautioned for an assault, and during her processing, a DNA sample was obtained. Familial searching techniques subsequently linked her sample to evidence from the original crime scene.
This significant advancement led to Keith Davison voluntarily providing a DNA sample, which ultimately matched the evidence from the 1990 attack. The court heard that Davison, then 52 and residing in Ryde at Binstead Hill, was charged after the match was confirmed.
During the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, the victim delivered emotionally charged testimony. She expressed her hope that her experience would empower other victims of sexual violence to come forward and seek justice. She remarked, “Eight years in prison is a good result but no sentence will undo the harm I have suffered. At least now I can hope to move forward. I have had suicidal thoughts.”
The victim also described her familiarity with Davison, stating that with her children attending the same school as his, she would see him occasionally across the playground. She recounted that she only caught glimpses of her attacker but always felt anxious and tried to avoid situations where he might be present.
Judge Ian Pearson addressed Davison directly during proceedings, highlighting the profound impact his actions had on the victim’s mental health. The judge noted that her life had been marred by depression, anxiety attacks, panic, and suicidal ideation. He emphasized the overwhelming scientific evidence against Davison, stating, “You challenged that evidence, but it was conclusive. You attacked a lone woman at night, blindfolded her and gagged her.”
The authorities, represented by Detective Chief Inspector Bob Maker, expressed their relief at securing justice. “This was a very serious crime, and our thoughts are with the victim and her family,” he said. “This case provides some much-needed closure for her, which remains our primary concern.”
As part of his sentence, Keith Davison was convicted of rape and sentenced to eight years in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring rigorous monitoring and restrictions following his release.
The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of forensic science in solving cold cases and bringing long-overdue justice to victims of sexual assault, regardless of how many years have passed since the crime occurred.