A STRANGER who molested a woman in her own caravan was unmasked after police matched his DNA to the scene.

Nicholas Wells, 29, who pleaded guilty to sexual assault at Salisbury Crown Court on Friday, knocked at the door of his victim’s caravan in Hudson’s Field, Salisbury, the day before he launched his vile assault in May 2019.

He was said to have asked about a lost dog, Swindon magistrates were told in March this year.

The following night, on May 19, the victim was having a shower in her caravan. She came out of the shower and was molested by Wells.

The matter was reported to the police, with detectives expending significant effort tracking down the culprit. An e-fit image was circulated and Crimestoppers posted a £5,000 reward for any information.

Wells attended a voluntary interview. He provided a DNA sample to compare against swabs and samples taken from the woman and the scene.

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Efit released by Crimestoppers in 2019 Picture: CRIMESTOPPERS

Prosecutor Emma Charleton told Swindon magistrates that that sample proved to be a match. He was arrested then remanded by the JPs on March 27.

Ms Charleton said during that remand hearing: “He is a dangerous and predatory sexual offender who has targeted a lone female.”

The court heard that Wells, of Eyres Way, Salisbury, had 33 convictions. His first – for the rape of a boy – was committed when he was just 12 years old.

Last year, he was given a two year suspended sentence for sexually assaulting a woman after offering her a lift in his car in September 2019. He spent more than six months in custody as he awaited sentence.

In 2016, he was sent to prison for 10 months for causing grievous bodily harm. He struck a woman with an ashtray and threatened to petrol bomb her house.

Wells appeared before Recorder Nicholas Haggan QC at Salisbury Crown Court on Friday. He pleaded guilty to sexual assault and was remanded in custody to be sentenced on July 2.