A sex fiend who raped five women in the Midlands has been jailed for 150 years in the United States.
Paul Edward Capener, 42, was told he may die behind bars after being convicted of stalking and sexually abusing two women in Portland, Oregon.
Four of Capener's victims and a West Midlands Police officer travelled to America to give evidence against him at his trial.
He was already in custody for sexually assaulting two women in the US.
Detective Constable Andy Holmes has worked to trace Capener since he emerged as the prime suspect for the offences in the Midlands. These were carried out in Smethwick in 1988; in Birmingham in 1989, 1990 and 1992; and Sutton Coldfield in 1990.
Det Cons Holmes first established the DNA link between the five cases in 1992 and this, along with fingerprint evidence, led to the identification of Capener as the man responsible. After the court hearing, he said: "Paul Capener has finally been captured and put behind bars.
"These crimes were particularly horrific as the victims were mostly attacked in their own homes. Their bravery in testifying has ensured this serial rapist will not strike again."
