THE young survivor of a sexual assault a year ago has appealed for information leading to her attacker’s capture.

Her determination and courage deserve to be rewarded, and the best reward her fellow citizens can offer is diligent study of the CCTV image and her description.

As is the case with so many CCTV images, the one of the attacker in this case is hardly pin-sharp and offers no clear view of his facial features.

In spite of these problems, there is still more than enough data –- his stance, the shape of his head, his hairline, some of his musculature – for him to be identified by friends, acquaintances, colleagues or family members.

Add to this data his rather distinctive teeshirt and it is puzzling that his identity has not yet been unearthed.

It is vital that the criminal is brought to justice, not just because his offence merits stern punishment but because of the implications for society as a whole should he not be caught.

Criminal psychologists have known for decades that offenders such as this man hardly ever commit one crime and then desist. Instead, they tend to offend again and again until they are caught. Often, they feel they must resort to progressively more serious offences in order to achieve the same sick thrill as the first one brought.

For as long as this man is free, he is a danger to all women. He must be stopped and we must do all we can to make that happen.