In June 1990, a 29-year-old woman was dragged into Barnes Park in the city and violently attacked by a stranger who threatened to kill her.

Despite a huge manhunt at the time, and numerous appeals in the North East including an artists impression of the culprit, he was never caught.

But 18 years later, William Bates' DNA profile was matched to the crime scene, and he was jailed on Thursday for nine years.

Bates, of Titchfield Avenue, had denied rape but was convicted by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.

During his trial, the 40-year-old claimed he had had consensual sex with the woman that night and suggested she might have been raped by somebody else after their liaison.

But prosecutor Penny Moreland told jurors: "Nothing happened to her that night except she was attacked in Barnes Park by this defendant.

"She told the you the truth and she has been telling the truth for 18 years about the events of that night."

After five-and-a-half hours deliberation the jury found him guilty of rape by a majority of 11-1.

Speaking after the verdict, the Wearside victim - who had to re-live her ordeal by giving evidence against Bates - said: "This has been worth it, I am pleased I went through with this."

Judge Richard Lowden jailed Bates, who remained expressionless as the guilty verdict was announced, for nine years and said he must register as a sex offender for life.

The judge told him: "Rape is a serious offence and attracts a long sentence of imprisonment.

"This is a very bad offence of its type, the aggravating features being she was abducted from the street and dragged into a park.

"No-one can imagine what a nightmare it must have been.

"She had extensive injuries covering the majority of her body and you threatened to kill her

"She must have feared for her life and it has had a drastic effect on her for the rest of her life."

Northumbria Police Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, who was the original officer in the case 18 years ago, said: "We welcome the decision of the court.

"This has been a long process for the victim, the police and the prosecution team and we are very pleased with the outcome. This is another great result for Northumbria Police's pioneering Phoenix Review Team.

"This was a horrendous offence and the victim showed great courage throughout the investigation and prosecution.

"The most important thing is that the victim has seen justice after all these years and I hope this will send out a clear message to encourage all people who have been victims of sexual offences to come forward and to know that all cases will be handled in confidence and with great sensitivity."