Photo-fit appeal as gardai fear new attack by rapist

Gardaí have launched a fresh appeal to members of the public for any information on a rapist who they fear may strike again. Detectives at Dundrum Garda station, Dublin, last night said despite 12 months of intensive investigations they have been unable to identify the man behind an attack in March 2003.

They have issued an updated photo-fit of the suspect in the hope somebody known to him may come forward.

The man called to a house in Dundrum on March 31st, 2003, exactly a year ago, claiming to be a TV technician. He informed the female resident he was carrying out work in the area after a number of complaints had been made in relation to poor picture quality.

The woman was at home with her baby son at the time and only allowed the caller into her home after he showed her identification from a well-known satellite company, which had been forged.

Once inside the house, the attacker bound his victim with plastic ties and threatened her with a knife. He then raped her. After the attack he forced the woman to take a bath in a bid to destroy forensic evidence. He then left the house and told the woman not to move for at least five minutes after he was gone. He said "cheerio" as he left.

Det Insp Martin Cummins said gardaí believed the attack was not a random crime. "We believe this woman was singled out and then targeted, it wasn't an opportunistic crime. We're concerned that this person may strike again and we are appealing with anybody who may recognise the man, or who may have other information, to come forward."

The attacker came to the house well prepared. As well as having false identification, he also had cable ties in a plastic bag which he used during the incident. The victim, who is a married woman, is said to have been deeply traumatised by the attack and has undergone counselling.

Her attacker is described as being aged about 40, around five feet eight inches in height and of average or slim build. He has a full head of dark wavy hair, going grey, and is unkempt looking. He had a slight dark or grey moustache with possibly two days growth of beard.

He was wearing a light coloured, possibly beige, short zip-style jacket, plain blue shirt, lilac tie, navy slacks and dark shoes. He was also wearing unusual dark blue framed, extremely large round ill-fitting glasses.

These are described as "old fashioned" and gardaí believe they may have been used as a disguise. He spoke with a mild Dublin accent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dundrum Garda station at 01 6665611 or the Garda confidential line at 1800 666 111.