23/09/10…..Thame killer jailed for rape

A man from Thame, already in prison for murder, was sentenced today for the abduction and rape of a 15-year-old girl in Maidenhead 30 years ago.

Ronald Cheshire, 52, was jailed today for nine years for the attack that took place in Maidenhead in May, 1980. He took the girl to a building site and asked her if she was a virgin before raping her, telling her he had a gun.

Cheshire was finally charged after 30 years, after evidence was obtained against him following scientific advances in DNA.

Det Supt Barry Halliday, said: ?I am satisfied with today?s sentence, which reflects the seriousness of Cheshire?s crime and the fact he evaded justice for so long. Cheshire originally pleaded guilty in July, as he knew the evidence against him was too strong to dispute.

?This result shows that offender?s who think they have got away with a crime years or even decades later, that the MCRT will be doing their utmost to bring them to justice.

?I hope today?s result will give victims of serious sexual crime the confidence to report incidents, the confidence that they will be investigated fully, and the confidence that Thames Valley Police will work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. This applies to both historic and current offences.

?This group of officers from the MCRT (Major Crime Review Team), together with our partners, remain dedicated in our commitment to ensuring the very highest of standards of investigation are maintained in solving such crimes and seeking justice for victims and those surviving family members who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

?Our neighbourhoods need to be assured that Thames Valley Police examine all such unsolved crimes and this latest case is one of a significant number of cases being developed.?