An unnamed man raped Wendy Hotson after the farmer's social night in April 1979. He then ran off, and was almost run over by Matt Skilbeck when he darted across the lane in front of Matt. The man managed to get away from police, but Wendy's father Colly instigated his own search. He was spotted by Kitty Ferris, but during the chase with Colly and Joe Sugden, the man ran on the road, into the path of Smarty Garret and Poor Ocker's motorbike. Subsequently, he was struck by the motorbike and died of his injuries.
An identity check on the man proved that he was Wendy's rapist and that he had been released from prison a few days prior to the incident for previous sexual crimes. His name was never revealed to the villagers.