A man has been jailed for the indecent assault and attempted rape of a 74-year-old woman - 30 years after the incident took place.

It marks the conclusion of a significant cold case - Greater Manchester Police said it proves there is 'no barrier to justice'.

Aron Traynor, 56, of London Road, Stockport, was sentenced to 13 years in jail at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 8 May 2026, more than 30 years after the incident took place in 1992.

The victim, who has since passed away, was attacked by a stranger while walking near her home. Despite extensive forensic work at the time, no suspect was identified.

Speaking in court during Traynor's trial, the victim's son described how the attack had a devastating effect on his mother's confidence, and profoundly altered the rest of her life.

The breakthrough in the case came thanks to modern forensic evidence.

A DNA sample was taken from Traynor in 2023 following a separate drink-driving arrest. It matched the profile developed by the Cold Case Unit, who were alerted promptly - Traynor was arrested shortly after.

Traynor was subsequently found guilty of the attempted rape and indecent assault charges following a five‑day jury trial in March 2026.

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Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hughes said: "Time is quite simply no barrier to justice.

"Today's sentencing shows that we never close investigations into serious violent or sexual offences. DNA is crucial, but it's the painstaking work of our officers - revisiting evidence, tracing witnesses, and rebuilding the investigative picture - that ultimately brings offenders to justice.

"Offenders should be in no doubt that forensic science continues to advance, and every interaction they have with the criminal justice system increases the chance of their crimes being uncovered.

"I'd like to thank the victim's family for their support and cooperation in this case. Although the victim sadly has not lived to see justice served, I hope this sentence gives her family a sense of peace that the offender has been held accountable."