2002: Offender jailed for attempted rape of elderly woman

2002: OFFENDER JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE OF ELDERLY WOMAN

2002: A 60-year-old hairdresser has been sentenced to four years in prison after attempting to rape a 78-year-old widow.

Henry Lasota was undergoing trial at Manchester Crown Court, where he was convicted of attempted rape by a jury on the trial’s fourth day, following an earlier acquittal on the charge of actual rape.

The judge, Mr.

Justice Sachs, stated, "You have demonstrated no remorse or regret for this offence.

It was extremely outrageous." During the trial, prosecutor John Jones QC detailed that Lasota brought cigarettes and alcohol as gifts to the woman's home in Bury and continued drinking there before making unwanted sexual advances.

The woman refused his advances and asked him to leave, but Lasota, who was intoxicated, persisted, attempting to touch her breasts and remove her clothing.

The incident resulted in both falling to the ground, while her daughter, arriving unexpectedly, saw part of what happened through an unlocked door.

Medical examinations showed grip injuries on her arms and wrists, indicating a sexual assault.

Lasota claimed in court that he and the woman regularly socialized, drinking together, and that he had become drunk and wished to sleep on her sofa.

He also alleged that she had twice interfered with his clothing.

It was reported that, after the assault, the victim, previously self-sufficient and active, experienced a decline in confidence and lifestyle, becoming increasingly dependent on others.