Preying on women and children and frequently attacking victims inside their homes, Williamson's modus operandi made sure no-one felt safe, even in their own beds.

His first victim was a 13-year-old girl snatched off the street and then raped in the grounds of Bulli High School in August 1989.

The following month a 15-year-old girl was dragged from her home on Farrell Rd, Bulli, at knifepoint to nearby Ocean Park and raped.

Then in November there was a shocking twist to an already disturbing crime trend.

After kidnapping an 11-year-old boy from his bed in Bulli's Park Rd, Williamson put the child in the boot of a stolen car and drove to Mt Kembla where the young victim was sexually assaulted and dumped.

Parents kept a vigilant eye on their children, particularly at night, while the sale of security doors skyrocketed. Then suddenly, the assaults stopped, with none reported for two months, leading many to think the serial rapist had moved on.

That was until early February, 1990, when the attacker resurfaced, raping a 24-year-old woman in her bed at Tarrawanna.

He struck again just days later, raping a 13-year-old Russell Vale girl in her bedroom during a terrifying hour-long ordeal.

When he struck a sixth time on March 22, his victim was again a child, this time a little girl aged just five.

The rapist had originally threatened the child's mother inside their Tarrawanna home but, upon seeing the woman was heavily pregnant, turned his attention to the little girl.

Driven by disgust and anger over the attack, a group of northern suburbs residents called a meeting with plans to start a vigilante group complete with nightly foot and road patrols.

Police blocked the bid and attempted to reassure the community they were working hard to catch the offender.

A crack team of investigators was called in to spearhead Task Force Balaclava and home in on the rapist.

Police Minister Ted Pickering stepped in, doubling a reward for information leading to an arrest to $50,000.

Now retired police officer John Dooley was patrol commander at Corrimal at the time of the rapist's reign, and although more than 20 years have passed, he still has vivid memories of community feelings during that period.

"There was certainly anxiety in the community and we had at least one community meeting where people were upset about the whole situation," the former police inspector said.

"When young children are being kidnapped from their bedrooms and being assaulted in the most violent manner, it's obviously a worrying time."

Vengeful graffiti sprang up on bus stops and railway overpasses, promising "We're gonna get you", and calling for a curfew for men.

However, the threats and community rage did little to deter Williamson.

On April 15 he attacked three women in two separate incidents at Corrimal, although both attempts were foiled.

Three weeks later Williamson decided again to steal a car and set off to cruise the streets in search of another victim.

About 10.15pm on May 4, a Friday night, he spotted a 16-year-old girl walking alone in Balgownie and attempted to grab her, slashing her leather jacket in the process.

He fled when neighbours were alerted to the unfolding drama.

But just hours later the masked man who brought terror to Wollongong was spotted by police while driving through Corrimal.

A pursuit ensued and after crashing, Williamson attempted to flee on foot, but was soon apprehended with the help of a police dog.

He was charged and appeared in court on attempted kidnap and assault charges relating to the Balgownie attack on May 4.

Magistrate John Seberry granted Williamson $25,000 bail to appear in court the following month on condition he remain at his parents' home at all times.

But just a week later the man who had attacked 10 people, raping six, broke bail and fled.

During his three days on the run he attacked a final time, raping a 20-year-old Wollongong woman before being recaptured in North Wollongong.

He was charged with offences linking him to the nine-month reign of terror of the Bulli Rapist.

This time he was refused bail and held in protective custody.

The rampage was over.

Of the 67 charges laid against him, Williamson pleaded guilty to 19 and was convicted on five.

He was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years and a maximum of 24 years in jail, due to expire on May 15, 2014.

Although more than 20 years have passed and Williamson has largely served his sentence, the community has neither forgiven nor forgotten.

The possibility of his release has stirred uncomfortable feelings, particularly in those close to the case.

"He committed some very nasty offences," Mr Dooley said.