Sex attacker tracked by DNA

A man who attacked a 15-year-old girl in a Blackpool alleyway was tracked by DNA evidence six years after the attack, a court has heard.

David Goddard, 37, of Chester Close in Leicester, was arrested in connection with the 1996 sex attack last January.

He denied the charges of attempted rape and wounding with intent at Preston Crown Court.

The judge described the attack as a 'grave incident' and jailed Goddard for eight years.

The court heard Goddard had befriended the teenager when she felt ill.

The prosecution said forensic material was found at the scene , but at the time it was not possible to take the investigation further scientifically.

Judge Stuart Baker said he had not shown "a glimmer of understanding for the victim, and not an ounce of remorse."

He said Goddard had pretended to help the girl, before abducting her from the road, dragging her into a dark alleyway and doing all he could to rape her.

Goddard was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely, and was banned from working with children.