October 2012 Man jailed for cold case rape of 14 year old A cold case investigation by officers from the Met’s Sapphire Command
has seen a man jailed for eight years for the rape of a
fourteen-year-old schoolgirl 16 years ago. Oliver Bernard (12.10.65), of Lullingstone Avenue, Swanley, Kent was
sentenced on Friday 12 October at the Old Bailey for the rape which
occurred in Lambeth in 1996 after a case was re-opened in 2010 by
Sapphire detectives. On the evening of Thursday 25 January 1996 the victim was approached by
Bernard as she walked along Christchurch Road SW2. After asking her for money and a cigarette and being refused, he
attempted to engage her in conversation. After initially speaking with
him the victim became wary and attempted to disengage Bernard. But he
put his hand over her mouth and threatened to ‘cut her throat’ if she
screamed; before placing a knife to her throat. He dragged her into a nearby garage area and raped her. Following the
incident he attempted to follow her from the scene, but slipped on some
ice and fell into a nearby bush. The victim was able to run home and
raise the alarm. Despite numerous inquiries by police, no suspect was identified at the
time; however the case was re-opened 14 years later by detectives from
the Cold Case Sapphire Unit. A submission of the original samples resulted in a hit on the database
for Bernard, who had previously been arrested. The victim, now aged in
her 30s, was approached by police and indicated that she was willing to
assist with the police prosecution. On 12 March 2012 Bernard was arrested on suspicion of rape and taken to
Lewisham police station. He was charged with rape and subsequently
pleaded guilty to his offences. DC Andy Beete, Cold Case Team, said: “Bernard was a particularly callous
individual who subjected his young victim to the most awful of ordeals.
I am pleased it has been possible to bring him to justice and commend
the victim’s bravery in supporting this prosecution. “It is highly likely Bernard has committed further sexual offences and I
am releasing his image today in the hope anyone who recognises him as a
suspect contacts the Sapphire Cold Case Team on 020 7161 1034. To remain
anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”