Birmingham man jailed for life after brutal rape of disabled widow

BIRMINGHAM MAN JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER BRUTAL RAPE OF DISABLED WIDOW

Alcholic John Scanlon, age 46, was convicted of raping a disabled widow in her home located in the Shard End area of Birmingham.

Scanlon forced his way into the victim's residence, where she relied on mobility aids to move around.

Despite her pleas for him to stop and her tellings that she was struggling to breathe, he proceeded to rape her in her bed and then smoked one of her cigarettes.

Before leaving, he stole her only £30 and two mobile phones, severing her connection to friends and medical professionals.

Scanlon was previously jailed in 2013 for a sexual assault against a vulnerable woman.

During the recent trial, Scanlon was convicted of rape by a jury.

Judge Mark Wall QC sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of nine years, citing his status as a danger to the public.

The judge emphasized the severity of the crime, the psychological trauma inflicted on the victim, and Scanlon's history of similar offences, which warranted a life sentence.

Additionally, Scanlon was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The judge highlighted that the victim, suffering from arthritis, asthma, and a blood disorder, was targeted due to her vulnerabilities, and her life has been fundamentally changed for the worse following the assault.