Norfolk pensioner jailed for Luton sexual assault, in 1981
Michael Elksnis, 69, from Great Yarmouth, was investigated in 1981, but it's taken until now for advances in DNA technology to provide enough evidence to convict him
Last updated 28th Jun 2024
A 69-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in prison for the rape of a woman in Luton nearly 40 years ago, following new forensic evidence linking him to the crime.
Michael Elksnis, of Great Yarmouth, was convicted after DNA evidence re-examined as part of a historical investigation identified him as the perpetrator.
On August 20, 1981, Elksnis approached a lone woman in Luton in the early hours and repeatedly attempted to engage her in conversation. After she refused his advances, Elksnis offered to assist her in finding a taxi. Under this pretense, he led her into an alleyway where he raped her.
The victim reported the incident to the police immediately, and forensic samples were collected at the time. As part of ongoing efforts to address historical rape and sexual assault cases, Bedfordshire Police re-examined the evidence, resulting in a match to Elksnis' DNA.
Today, at Luton Crown Court, Elksnis was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders register. Detective Sergeant Jo Goodson from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit commented on the case, stating, "This was a predatory attack by a man who saw an opportunity to prey on a lone woman. Elksnis was able to continue living his life for years while his victim suffered from the lasting effects of being a victim of rape. No one is above the law, and hopefully cases like this should demonstrate that we leave no stone unturned when it comes to relentlessly pursuing perpetrators – no matter how long ago the crime took place."
DS Goodson also praised the victim’s courage in facing the case decades later and highlighted the ongoing work under Operation Painter to utilize advancements in forensic science to bring sexual predators to justice.
Bedfordshire Police emphasized their commitment to tackling male violence against women and girls and collaborating with other organizations to enhance women's safety in the county. They encourage victims of rape and sexual assault to seek support and report incidents, regardless of how long ago they occurred, through Bedfordshire Police or associated agencies. Emergency situations should be reported by calling 999.
For support and guidance, victims can contact Bedfordshire Police or partner agencies like the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and the Bedford Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP). Reports of sexual assault can be made by calling 101 or online.