A KNIFE-wielding rapist who attacked a teenager in a Kidderminster women's refuge nearly 15 years ago was tracked down by police using new DNA techniques, a court heard.

Adrian Fleurs, who is serving life in a Scottish prison for another rape, admitted the 1991 offence at Worcester Crown Court last Friday and was jailed for seven years.

Fleurs, 39, was given a life sentence in Dundee High Court in 1997 and has since failed to persuade the parole board to give him his freedom.

Judge Michael Mott said it would be remiss of him to suggest when Fleurs should be freed and it was up to the parole board to make the decision.

It was in the early hours of September 17, 1991, that Fleurs forced the front door of the hostel, in Park Lane, Kidderminster, and crept into a 17-year-old girl's bedroom, said Mr Andrew Wallace, prosecuting.

He raped her at knifepoint and threatened that if she ever told anyone, he would come back and kill her. Despite a massive police operation, no-one was charged.

Mr Wallace said the rape had had a devastating effect upon the victim. She had tried to commit suicide with an overdose, her marriage had failed and other relationships had been ruined.

The girl had since left Kidderminster and had given up all expectation of the case being solved.

In a statement last Friday, she said: "I tried to put the rape behind me and get on with my life but I will never forget. I am delighted justice has finally been done."

The national DNA database was set up in 1995 and recent advances in forensic technology have enabled the review of many unsolved cases.

The national initiative has been codenamed Operation Advance.

Det Chief Insp Sheila Thornes, of West Mercia CID, said the operation's cold case reviews had led to the conviction and sentencing of 15 offenders country-wide.

She added the victim in the Kidderminster case had shown admirable bravery and determination to see justice done.

The re-opening of the investigation had been emotionally painful and it was hoped the successful conclusion would give her a sense of relief and closure.