KENNETH WELLS AND HIS SHOCKING RAPE IN SALISBURY

In a case that remained unresolved for over four decades, Kenneth Wells, a 63-year-old man from Verona Road in Salisbury, has been sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison for the brutal rape of a 71-year-old woman. The incident dates back to November 1980 when Wells forcibly entered the residence of Violet Brown, a woman living alone in Collingbourne Ducis, Wiltshire.

According to reports, Wells broke into Ms Brown’s home alongside at least one accomplice. The intruders wore stocking masks and used torches to blind her as they inflicted violence and abuse. During the assault, Wells and his accomplice shouted threats and subjected Ms Brown to a terrifying ordeal, resulting in emotional trauma and physical injuries. They then forcibly locked her inside her own house, leaving her trapped until the following morning. Due to her confinement, Ms Brown was unable to call for help until daylight, forcing her to wait until her neighbors or authorities could be contacted.

Following the attack, Wells was immediately identified as the prime suspect. Despite this, it was not until recent years that significant forensic advances, particularly DNA analysis, facilitated a breakthrough. The Cold Case review initiated by Wiltshire Police last year utilized cutting-edge DNA technology to examine evidence collected from the original scene. This re-analysis conclusively linked material such as hair and fibers recovered from the crime scene to Wells, ultimately confirming his involvement.

The judge, Angela Morris, sentenced Wells at Winchester Crown Court, emphasizing the brutality of the crime. She stated, “It doesn't bear imagination how terrified she [Ms Brown] must have been. This is a case of some of the most abject humiliation, threats, and violation towards a vulnerable and helpless elderly lady who was left utterly traumatised and physically injured by this appalling experience at your hands.” She further expressed her condemnation of Wells’ actions, noting that he not only robbed Ms Brown of her possessions but also stripped her of her independence and sense of security.

Ms Brown’s family and advocates confirmed that, because she passed away in 1996, she was unable to benefit from the legal protections for victims or to see her assailant brought to justice. Her family also released a photograph of her to honor her memory.

In addition to the rape charge, Wells previously admitted to burglary and false imprisonment at Salisbury Crown Court on September 1. The judge sentenced him to 15 years in prison, with an additional six years on licence, for the rape. He was also sentenced to three years for burglary and three years for false imprisonment, with all sentences set to run concurrently.

Det Ch Insp Darren Hannant, speaking on behalf of Wiltshire Police, commented on the significance of this conviction, stating, “There is no doubt that this horrendous attack had a lasting impact on Ms Brown, who had to live with the memory of this traumatic incident for the rest of her life. Wells committed a truly despicable crime and probably thought he had gotten away with it, but no serious case is ever truly closed. I am proud that we have finally been able to convict Wells and hold him accountable for what he did.”

Officers also expressed hope that the DNA evidence might eventually lead to identifying the accomplice who was present during the rape, as investigators continue to seek justice for the victim. The case underscores the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies to solve decades-old cases using modern forensic science tools.