Donald Robertson

Donald Robertson, a 66-year-old man described by police as an 'evil sex offender and murderer', has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years for the 1987 murder of Shani Warren and several related sexual offences. The conviction came after a cold case review by Thames Valley Police uncovered new DNA evidence linking him to the crimes, which had remained unsolved for over three decades.

The murder of 26-year-old Shani Warren occurred between 16 and 19 April 1987 in Buckinghamshire. Ms Warren, from Stoke Poges, was assaulted, strangled, and thrown into Taplow Lake, where her body was discovered bound and gagged during the Easter weekend. The initial investigation was marred by an 'outrageous' pathologist's suggestion of suicide, which delayed progress. However, persistent efforts by police and forensic scientists preserved evidence that proved crucial years later. Robertson was also convicted of the false imprisonment and indecent assault of Ms Warren, with the judge stating he had 'no doubt' that Robertson had sexually assaulted her during the ordeal, which would have been 'highly traumatic' given her fear of contracting AIDS at the time.

• In July 1981, Robertson kidnapped and raped a 16-year-old girl.
• Just days after his release from police custody for that offence, he raped a 14-year-old girl riding her bicycle in Farnham Royal, pleading guilty in October 1981.
• Less than two months after murdering Ms Warren, in June 1987, he raped a 17-year-old girl walking home after missing the last train, a crime for which he was convicted in 2010 following a review.

Robertson did not attend his trial or sentencing at Reading Crown Court on 19 May 2022, where a jury deliberated for just seven hours and 18 minutes to find him guilty on five charges. Mr Justice Wall delivered his remarks in absentia, condemning Robertson's lack of remorse and courage, calling him a 'self-centred man who cares nothing for the suffering and feelings of others'. The sentence ensures he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, with release possible only in 2052 if deemed appropriate by the parole board.

Ms Warren's family expressed profound gratitude to Thames Valley Police for their unwavering dedication. In a statement, they described the 35-year wait as 'full of pain and sorrow' but found 'tremendous comfort' in the investigators' resolve. 'The repeated reopening and investigation of this case is a tribute to the resolve of the police to never give up,' they said, noting how modern DNA analysis succeeded where 1980s technology could not. Senior Investigating Officer Peter Beirne echoed this, stating: 'Robertson has spent the majority of his adult life in jail for a series of offences, including kidnap and rape. Society is much safer with Robertson behind bars.'

This case highlights the impact of cold case reviews in delivering justice for historical crimes, particularly those involving sexual violence and murder. Sources: The Standard, Thames Valley Police statements, Reading Crown Court proceedings (19 May 2022).