DNA sample identifies attacker

A man has been convicted of attempted rape after a DNA sample taken at a separate offence linked him to the crime in Norwich five years ago.

Police in London took Cemai Yilmaz's DNA, after he was involved in a motoring incident, which was found to match a sample from the victim's nails. Yilmaz, 36, of Portswood Road, Southampton, appeared at Norwich Crown Court and was jailed for three years.

The victim was walking home after a night out when the attack occurred.

As he sentenced Yilmaz, Judge Simon Barham said: "You took advantage of a defenceless woman."

William Carter, prosecuting, said the victim had put up "a pretty good fight" when Yilmaz began attacking her, scratching his face and screaming.

The court heard friend had noticed scratches on Yilmaz's face at the time of the attack in June 2003, but the defendant denied being involved in an attack.

In a statement from the victim, which was read out in the court, the attack had affected her subsequent relationships with men.