Jail for historical rape of prostitute

Karl Boyd Bryhn lured a prostitute to a house in Perth, handcuffed her and then dragged the woman to a vacant block where he repeatedly raped her.

More than 20 years later, Bryhn was finally caught after a cold case review of DNA evidence linked him to the July 1994 crime.

After pleading guilty to five offences, Bryhn was sentenced in the West Australian District Court on Tuesday to six years and nine months behind bars.

The court heard Bryhn, 51, made an appointment with an escort service before leaving the front door ajar and the shower running to lure the woman inside.

He then attacked her from behind, put a pillowcase over her head and handcuffed her.

Bryhn repeatedly threatened and raped the woman, leaving her bound and hooded before she managed to break free.

Judge Philip Eaton described the attack as "sadistic and degrading".

"Sex workers, like taxi drivers who work late into the night, are particularly vulnerable in their occupations, but they're equally entitled to the protection of the law," he said.

Judge Eaton noted that Bryhn had a "chequered history" of offending in several states dating back to 1989 and a longstanding problem with drugs.

The court heard Bryhn believed he would have been affected by drugs at the time but did not remember the events of that night.

Judge Eaton also noted that Bryhn had been abused as a child and accepted that he was remorseful.

Bryhn, who was extradited from Adelaide to face the charges, will be eligible for parole after serving four years and nine months behind bars.