Shani Warren: Man guilty of murdering woman found bound and gagged in lake 35 years ago

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We cannot imagine what the last moments of Shani’s life must have been like, but you may agree that no punishment is enough for her attacker; a psychopath and a coward who lacked the courage to attend court, or even to give evidence via a live link.” Robertson was also found guilty of the kidnap and rape of a 16-year-old girl, who cannot be identified, on 16 July 1981, in Farnham Lane, Slough, which took place just three months after he was released from prison for burglary and the attempted rape of a 15-year-old girl who was home alone in Slough. Following Tuesday’s verdict, the woman raped by Donaldson aged 16 – who gave evidence at the trial – branded him “the monster that put my life in turmoil”, adding: “Justice has been done and I can finally get some closure.” Police hailed her “bravery and courage” in coming forward and said it is “a regret” there had not been enough evidence to charge Donaldson at the time. The serial attacker was charged last year after police found new DNA evidence – described by prosecutors as the “cornerstone” of the latest case – with traces matching Robertson’s discovered on the underwear of both victims, and on a mouth gag used on Ms Warren. Robertson’s failure to attend his trial “speaks volumes” to his character, Mr Beirne said, labelling him “a coward, wasn’t prepared to stand up and answer to the charges which were put before him”.