A 37-year-old Dartford man who raped a woman in Otford in West Kent 13 years ago has been jailed.

Jason Clark, formerly known as Downer, from Mount Pleasant Road, has been brought to justice following advancements in DNA technology.

The former refuse collector pleaded guilty to rape at Maidstone Crown Court today (Tuesday).

He was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison. He now automatically goes on the Sex Offender Register for life.

At 10.13pm on Wednesday, August 2, 1995 the woman, who was 27 at the time, arrived at Otford railway station after a night out in London with a friend.

She noticed a man leaning against the wall by the exit that leads from the platform to the station car park. She walked across the car park into the alleyway that leads to the road.

Along the alleyway she heard heavy and fast footsteps behind her. She moved to one side to let the person past but instead was grabbed from behind.

She struggled and screamed before the man punched her in the head and threatened to use a knife. He then pushed her to the ground and raped her.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Atkinson from Kent Police's Major Crime Department said: 'The fact that Clark has been brought to justice for this brutal rape after so long is extremely satisfying for the victim, her family and friends and for the investigating team at Kent Police.

"It has been a long and difficult investigation that was hindered only by the level of DNA technology available at the time the offence was committed."

The court heard about Clark's history of violent offending, including robbery, assault, drugs possession, criminal damage and abusive behaviour.

The court also heard that he'd spent a period of his life in psychiatric hospitals.

On sentencing, Judge Michael Lawson QC said: "The consequences of your act that evening was to destroy the life of a decent young woman.

"You abolished her peace of mind, probably for ever. Added to that, the effect on your wife and children will also be significant."

For the full story see this week's Dartford Messenger out on Thursday.