In the early 1990s, a serial predator terrorised Melbourne’s inner north, preying on women in their own homes – some elderly, some pregnant, most of them alone. No one felt safe.  

He crept in as they slept. And before fleeing, he made them count to 100 before they could call for help. They called him the Ascot Vale Rapist. 

As fear gripped the city, a small team of forensic scientists were working around the clock, developing an innovative DNA technique that could help crack the case faster than ever before.  

Part of that team was Anna Davey, a pioneer in forensic DNA analysis and now one of Australia’s most respected forensic educators and quality assurance experts.  

In this episode with Liz Porter, discover how forensic science not only exposed the Ascot Vale Rapist—but also proved the innocence of a man wrongly imprisoned for the crimes. 

This episode references sexual assault and child sex abuse. If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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