UK UK- "Batman Rapist'', committed 17+ knife point sexual assaults, tight fetish, blindfolds with hairband,1991-2000, Bath, * DNA, Operation Eagle*

[tes1984]

I still don't really see a good source for there being 17 attacks. Just the Somerset Live article, and I can't find any quotes in that (about the number of attacks) from anyone within the police.

The Somerset Live article says that six women came forward after the Crimewatch appeal in January 2000. Presumably one was the victim of the final known attack in May 2000, but who were the other five victims?

By October 2000, the official tally seems to be 14, so three further victims have come forward (including the May 2000 victim) by then. But when do the final three victims come forward, to take the total from 14 to 17?

 

[dotr]

I still don't really see a good source for there being 17 attacks. Just the Somerset Live article, and I can't find any quotes in that (about the number of attacks) from anyone within the police.

The Somerset Live article says that six women came forward after the Crimewatch appeal in January 2000. Presumably one was the victim of the final known attack in May 2000, but who were the other five victims?

By October 2000, the official tally seems to be 14, so three further victims have come forward (including the May 2000 victim) by then. But when do the final three victims come forward, to take the total from 14 to 17?

Been looking without luck so far - just posting crumbs that hopefully will to lead to something more substantial!

 

[dotr]

There has been speculation on EARs that there might be a connection to heroin dealers and Bath U, speculation, imo.
2001 rbbm

Rapist still a danger

WOMEN have been warned to be vigilant while they are in their cars, as police admit they are no closer to catching Bath's Batman rapist.

www.gazetteandherald.co.uk

''The force also renewed its appeal for information about three men and a woman who asked if a cap had been handed in at Boots store, Southgate, following the last confirmed Batman attack on January 26 1999.
DI James said: "At 10am on January 27 1999, a man asked if a cap had been handed in at the photographic counter in Boots. At 2pm, two more men made the same request at Boots, followed by a woman in her 50s the day after."
Detectives also believe a near collision involving a large silver or grey saloon and a blue Ford Escort at the Bathwick Street and Sydney Place roundabout on January 26 1999 is linked to an attempted attack.''

 

[Pimlipo]

I wonder if he drove them back to where he took them, without them telling him the way to go. Would definitely be local.
How the hell has he got away with it!?
Distinctive blue eyes, scar near his lip, fetish for tights, they’ve got his DNA, and he’s a local.

 

[tes1984]

I wonder if he drove them back to where he took them, without them telling him the way to go. Would definitely be local.
How the hell has he got away with it!?
Distinctive blue eyes, scar near his lip, fetish for tights, they’ve got his DNA, and he’s a local.

I think he generally knew the way back, without having to ask his victims. He kept them head down on his lap, so they couldn't see his face, or be seen by pedestrians or passing motorists.

He did seem to lose his bearings a couple of times though. Once in the Bristol attack, and also in one Bath abduction, where he drove past the attack site to a village, but then doubled back.

 

[Zapoleon]

I can never understand the DNA aspect in this case. You would imagine they have a good sample. Unless they messed that aspect up. So why is DNA not solving this. Lots of possible reasons in terms of who the BR was.

 

[tes1984]

I can never understand the DNA aspect in this case. You would imagine they have a good sample. Unless they messed that aspect up. So why is DNA not solving this. Lots of possible reasons in terms of who the BR was.

Seems like they have a full DNA profile, but with no match to any profile on the national database.

They don't seem to have DNA from multiple crime scenes, and don't seem to have attempted an advanced/familial search.

The known DNA is from the dropped cap, which isn't the strongest source. I hope they preserved the other clothing evidence for touch DNA in the future, but who knows...

 

[Zapoleon]

Seems like they have a full DNA profile, but with no match to any profile on the national database.

They don't seem to have DNA from multiple crime scenes, and don't seem to have attempted an advanced/familial search.

The known DNA is from the dropped cap, which isn't the strongest source. I hope they preserved the other clothing evidence for touch DNA in the future, but who knows...

Ah ok.

Yes I hope they preserved other stuff aswell. My fear is they have not though hence why its kinda in limbo this case.

 

[tes1984]

Ah ok.

Yes I hope they preserved other stuff aswell. My fear is they have not though hence why its kinda in limbo this case.

I agree but I think they will get a match if and when the perp (or his offspring) enter the DNA database.

Christopher Hampton would probably still be free in the Melanie Road case, if his daughter hadn't got arrested for a domestic incident.

The Road case took advanced familial testing though, which doesn't seem to have been attempted yet in the Batman case.

 

[Melquiades]

I can never understand the DNA aspect in this case. You would imagine they have a good sample. Unless they messed that aspect up. So why is DNA not solving this. Lots of possible reasons in terms of who the BR was.

If this was in North America it would already be solved but the UK/Europe they don’t have the same laws regarding forensic genealogy so they’re still stuck where Canada/US were back in 2010 where they need the suspect to be arrested for a different crime in order for their DNA to be in the system.

It’s always strange to me with the UK in particular where CCTV is so pervasive there but it seems to be felt that this is a line that can’t be crossed in terms of personal privacy.

 

[Zapoleon]

Yeah I recall there was a UK government report into should they be making use of genetic genology and the findings of the report were basically the UK already has one of the most advanced databases in the world. That most people on those public genology sites tend to be americans etc so it wouldnt help that much UK wise. It was also found to be more expensive case by case, than the current system.

And of course the report mentioned all the pirvacy and ethical concerns about it.

 

[Hustling01]

Im not getting the link between batman and an auto locksmith?

 

[tes1984]

Im not getting the link between batman and an auto locksmith?

I think it was just thrown out there as a potential occupation for Batman. A solitary, nocturnal type job.

 

[jojojaja]

You can buy multi packs of tights in supermarkets with all your food shopping. Less noticeable because you can just look like a family man shopping for the household and if you go when it's busy, they'll be rushing to get through a queue.

 

[tes1984]

You can buy multi packs of tights in supermarkets with all your food shopping. Less noticeable because you can just look like a family man shopping for the household and if you go when it's busy, they'll be rushing to get through a queue.

IIRC he also used headbands a few times to blindfold his victims. A 90s macho man buying pink headbands might be quite noticeable.

 

[jojojaja]

IIRC he also used headbands a few times to blindfold his victims. A 90s macho man buying pink headbands might be quite noticeable.

but still nobody came forward saying they saw someone buying them.
My Dad used to buy stuff for my Mum and me sometimes, not sure he always got it right though. Probably why my Mum bought her stuff herself when possible.