Life for sex attack on woman, 101

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/west_midlands/5393648.stm

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A man has been jailed for life for attempting to rape a 101-year-old woman after breaking into her home.

Paul Blackwood, 35, was told he would have to serve at least seven years before being considered for parole.

Blackwood, of Parliament Street, West Bromwich, West Midlands, was convicted in June after his victim gave evidence.

Judge Elizabeth Fisher, sitting at Birmingham Crown Court, said Blackwood posed a significant risk of serious harm to the public.

He will also register as a sex offender for life.

It was a despicable crime which the offender has never admitted and he is a danger to society Det Sgt Graham Sanders, West Midlands Police

Earlier, Vincent Coughlin, defending, said of his client: "The offence of which he has been convicted was on any view one of utter depravity, violently undertaken against a defenceless, solitary and infirm victim.

"There is nothing I can put forward to counter the report that assesses him as posing a high risk - he presents on any analysis a danger to frail and vulnerable females."

Speaking outside court, Det Sgt Graham Sanders, of West Midlands Police, thanked the victim for her courage in bringing Blackwood to justice.

"Owing to her fortitude and character in giving evidence, she has protected other vulnerable members of her community and we pay her the utmost respect.

"I would also like to praise her family for the support they have given the victim and also the way they have conducted themselves throughout this ordeal.

"It was a despicable crime which the offender has never admitted and he is a danger to society."