ANTHONY ROBERTS SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR VIOLENT ATTACK IN WORCESTER
A man from Worcester has been formally sentenced to life imprisonment following a brutal assault that involved attempted murder and sexual violence.Anthony Roberts, aged 56 and residing at Amber Heights in Worcester, received his sentence this afternoon at Worcester Crown Court.
The court determined that Roberts will serve a minimum term of 19 years and 3 months before being eligible for parole.
The incident in question occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 7 May 2023.
Roberts targeted a 71-year-old woman on Kleve Walk in Worcester, where he subjected her to a sexual assault.
Following the assault, he inflicted multiple stab wounds upon her, leaving her critically injured and abandoned on a riverside path.
The attack shocked the local community and drew widespread condemnation.
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Lougher commented on the case, describing the assault as "incredibly violent" and emphasizing the impact on the victim.
He stated, "This was an incredibly violent attack on an innocent woman, which shocked the local community to the core.
Thankfully, the victim survived, but her road to mental and physical recovery will be a long one.
The outcome could have been very different." Chief Inspector Lougher praised the victim for her bravery, noting, "I’d like to commend her on the courage she has shown in helping us to bring her attacker to justice.
I have no doubt that the mental impact of this attack will haunt the victim for the rest of her life, but I hope that today’s sentence will allow her to begin to move forwards." He also highlighted the efficiency of the police response, saying, "I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank the team involved in bringing Roberts to justice.
He was located and arrested extremely quickly and charged within 24 hours of the attack." This case underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement treats violent crimes in Worcester, and authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice for victims of such heinous acts.
