A "tremendously tragically died before she could see justice after the cowardly man who attacked her tried to reverse his plea. Coward Michael Hanmore, 46, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 12 years after he admitted to burglary and stealing a motor vehicle.

Hanmore’s were committed during an incident on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent in 2022 But, his elderly and disabled victim never saw justice as police say Hanmore later changed his mind and tried to change his plea - causing a delay in proceedings during which time the woman died.

Detective Chief Inspector Kath Way, of , said following the hearing: "He is clearly a very dangerous man who belongs behind bars. After initially admitting what he had done, Hanmore later changed his mind and attempted to take the case to trial despite the overwhelming evidence that proved he was responsible.

"Whilst the courts would not allow that to happen, it still resulted in his sentencing hearing being significantly delayed and his victim sadly passed away in the meantime without seeing justice served."

The awful attack on May 7, 2022, saw the victim woken by the sounds of someone moving in her kitchen at around 2am. He then burst into her bedroom where he carried out a prolonged assault in which he raped her and stampted on her repeatedly while demanding cash.

She then saw him steal cash from her, before he finally left the property after more than an hour inside. The victim later reaslied her mobile phone and tablet were also missing, which left the victim unable to call for help.

She was only able to report what happened to her when a visitor arrived at 9am later that morning. Detectives launched a probe and were able to use number plate to trace the route taken by the victim’s car after it was driven away from her property

They also quickly identified Hanmore as a suspect and arrested him in Hackney, east London - around 50 miles from the scene of his crimes - on the evening of May 8, 2022. Analysis of the phone revealed it was in the same location as the victim’s car and was linked by forensic evidence found at the scene.

Hanmore’s disgusting crimes mean he will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the rest of his life. DCI Way added that Hanmore had carried out a “terrifying” crime.

They said: "There can be few things as terrifying as someone breaking into your home in the middle of the night before attacking you in your own bedroom. That is exactly what Michael Hanmore put his elderly and disabled victim through, without any thought for the severe trauma his actions would cause to her, her family and friends.

"I am very pleased he has been sentenced to life imprisonment, which is entirely appropriate for the dreadful crimes he committed and will ensure he no longer poses a threat to innocent members of the public. [His victim] was tremendously brave and supported our investigation with great dignity throughout. Nobody deserves to be subjected to such appalling violence and I hope this outcome is of some comfort to her family."