Shoe-fetish rapist
Monday 19th February 2007
I was 18 when I was raped by a stranger on the way to my boyfriend's house. Only 5ft 5 in unstable three-inch high stilettos, I had no chance.
Afterwards, my attacker took my shoes off. He also stole photos of me from my bag along with my perfume and my pants.
The police did their best but no one was caught. Meanwhile I built a massive wall round my pain, to block it out. I went on to find a boyfriend, Kevin, and although we had a daughter, Carla, we split up after seven years.
Carla was 17 by the time the police knocked on my door again. After 20 long years, they'd finally caught someone for the rape. His name was James Lloyd.
'How?' I blurted.
Police explained Lloyd's sister, June, had been arrested for drink driving six years ago. Her DNA led police to her brother. They matched his DNA to the unsolved rape cases, including mine.
For a second, I felt relief. But then came panic. It meant I had to sit down and explain to Carla. She was shocked but supportive.
Lloyd pleaded guilty at Sheffield Crown Court. I was terrified about seeing him but I didn't even recognise him. He looked like a broken and puny middle-aged man.
'Coward,' I hissed.
Turned out I was only one of many victims. And every time he raped someone he stole their shoes. The court heard how hundreds of shoes had been found under the floorboards of the house Lloyd shared with his wife, Patricia. He had a fetish for shoes and stockings. It was sickening.
Eventually Lloyd was sentenced to life. Now I've got justice, I can finally leave that night behind me.