Man Admits Raping Stranger in 1980
Cold Case victory for South Wales Police Specialist Crime Review Unit
A 67-year-old man has today pleaded guilty to a stranger rape in Cardiff dating back almost 42 years.
His plea follows an investigation lead by the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Review Unit into an into an incident in the Roath area of Cardiff in August 1980.
Advances in DNA testing meant that, in 2019, specialists were able to re-examine the victims’ clothing, providing a match for Roland Long.
Long was arrested on 15th September 2020, and was charged at an address in Bristol on 3rd August, 2021.
Long will appear in Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing on February 18th, 2022.
Detective Inspector Patrick Catto, former Head of the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Review Unit, said:
“We remain committed to investigating undetected serious crimes and often re-look at cases as forensic science develops.
“Today’s plea shows how this commitment can bring results for victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
“Help and support is available for all victims of sexual violence and I would encourage any victims; no matter how long ago the offence was perpetrated, to come forward.”
Since 2019, the unit – under the name of Operation Dudley - has been researching undetected serious sexual offences across South Wales dating back many decades.
The unit has been recognised nationally and has previously pioneered cold case investigative techniques.