Burglar who raped disabled pensioner jailed

A burglar who raped an elderly and disabled woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Michael Hanmore, 46, attacked his victim at her Isle of Sheppey home after she awoke in the early hours of 7 May to the sound of someone in her kitchen.

Kent Police said Hanmore burst into her bedroom and carried out a "prolonged attack", which involved him raping her before stamping on her arms and body while demanding money.

She saw him taking cash from her room before he left the property and stole her car, officers added.

The woman realised her mobile phone and tablet were also missing afterwards, leaving her unable to call for help until just after 09:00 BST when a visitor arrived, Kent Police said.

Officers said the victim, who they called "tremendously brave", passed away "without seeing justice served".

Hanmore, of Queenborough Road, Sheerness, pleaded guilty to counts of rape, burglary and theft at Maidstone Crown Court.

He will serve a minimum of eight years and 355 days before he can apply for parole, the court told the BBC.

Police said he would also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the rest of his life.

Kent Police said detectives caught Hanmore by using automatic number plate recognition technology to trace the route he took driving away in the victim's car, following his "dreadful crimes".

He was arrested in London the day after the attack and later admitted being responsible for the offences.

Det Ch Insp Kath Way said Hanmore did not have "any thought for the severe trauma his actions would cause" to the victim, her family and friends.

"He is clearly a very dangerous man who belongs behind bars," she said.

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