A 14-year-old boy has been sentenced to a minimum of two years behind bars for raping a Banbury pensioner after asking to hear her stories of World War Two.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to one count of rape at an earlier hearing at Oxford Crown Court on November 25. And on Friday he was given an indeterminate sentence at the same court and placed on the sex offenders' register.
The verdict means he will not be released from prison until the authorities are convinced he is no longer a risk to the public. The rape happened at about 9am on Saturday, November 12, in Hardwick, Banbury.
The boy went to the home of the 77-year-old victim and asked if he could come in and talk to her about a school project he was writing on World War Two. She had spoken to the boy before about a different school project and let him in.
Once inside her home, he pushed her to the floor and raped her. The woman pushed him away and he left. Det Sgt Andrew Thompson, the investigating officer, said: “This was a horrifying incident in which an elderly and vulnerable woman was targeted in her home by someone who had gained her trust before carrying out a sickening attack.
“I am pleased with the sentence handed down today and trust that the offender will now receive the help he so obviously needs. I would also like to thank the victim, who showed considerable courage in being able to provide a clear and concise account to the police, allowing us to catch the person who assaulted her in such a despicable way.”
Det Ch Insp Paul Hayles said: “There were a team of experienced detectives working tirelessly on this case and thanks to their efforts, and the bravery of the victim, we were able to bring the offender to justice expeditiously and without the victim having to go through the ordeal of giving evidence.”
Supt Andy Boyd, the Local Police Area Commander for Cherwell, said: “The circumstances of this offence were very unusual and I am pleased the offender was brought to justice so quickly. I would like to reassure residents that this type of crime is very rare and we are committed to keeping Banbury a safe place to live and work.”
