It is hoped new images of a man wanted for the “brutal” rape of a woman 50 years ago will finally bring him to justice.

The 30-year-old woman was asleep in her Melbourne home in the early hours of July 22, 1974, when she was woken by a stranger and raped.

Nine days later police charged George Karakis with rape, burglary and indecent assault.

He was bailed on a $1000 surety put up by his wife and has been “on the run” ever since.

He would now be 78.

NSW Police thought they had found him in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 1990, but he disappeared again before a warrant could be executed.

A public appeal in 2015 also failed to locate the Greek-speaking, Turkish-born fugitive.

More than 50 years after his arrest, police on Monday released his 1974 mug shot as well as a digitally generated image of what Karakis could look like today.

A digitally generated image showing how Karakis would look now. Photo: Victoria Police

At the time of his arrest, Karakis was 27 and living in Gore Street in Melbourne’s Fitzroy with his wife, sister and brother-in-law.

Yarra Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Ruby Roberts said Karakis’ victim was now in her 80s and had been forced to live most of her life knowing this man had not faced court for the “brutal” crime he is accused of.

“This crime changed her life forever and 50 years is a long time to live without the justice we would so dearly like to give her,” Det Roberts said.

“There will absolutely be people out there who know where Karakis fled and may even know where he is now residing.”

Given the length of time since his arrest, police say there is a possibility that Karakis has died – but they are hell bent on finding answers so they can close a chapter in the victim’s life.

Anyone with information about Karakis’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

–AAP