Man jailed for raping 85-year-old woman
15:31 AEST Mon Aug 8 2011
ShareA Man who raped and brutally bashed a frail 85-year-old woman at a Melbourne train station "for a bit of a thrill" has been jailed for 11 years.
Victorian County Court Judge Duncan Allen told Allan Richard Hodson, 65, his attack on the elderly woman in the middle of the day was horrific and shocking.
"This has had a devastating impact on her in her old age," the judge told Hodson, jailing him for a minimum eight years.
Hodson loitered around Southern Cross Station before selecting his victim and following her into a public toilet on January 27, then suddenly and violently attacking her.
The father of four initially denied the assault to police, saying he was incapable of raping anyone and was not a violent person.
But he later made admissions, saying he had thought she was an easy target.
"I thought here's an opportunity, I suppose, to get a bit of a thrill," he told police.
"You're masterful, you're the hunter. I didn't get any satisfaction out of it.
"I'm very sorry. I just wish I wasn't there that day."
After his attack, Hodson threatened his victim not to tell anyone, saying: "I know where you live and I will come back and cut you."
He demanded money, took her purse and when he found there was only $20 inside, discarded it.
Judge Allen said Hodson callously left his elderly, frail, victim naked and bleeding with her clothes strewn on the toilet floor.
She was found by a passer-by and spent a week in hospital for her injuries.
Hodson, of Bairnsdale in Victoria's east, pleaded guilty to rape, recklessly causing serious injury and threatening serious injury.
On the morning of the attack, he had travelled to Melbourne for a psychiatric appointment and had drunk several bottles of beer.
He was being treated for alcohol abuse, a depressive illness and post-traumatic stress.
He had agreed with his psychiatrist he would be readmitted to hospital in coming weeks due to increasing anxiety and depression.
The court heard that on the same day as the assault, Hodson had also offered a girl money for sexual contact at Flinders Street station but she refused.
Judge Allen said the impact of Hodson's crimes on his elderly victim was devastating.
She was terrified Hodson would return to attack her.
"I feel inadequate and ashamed, thinking I've been branded in other people's eyes," the woman said in her victim statement.
"I only pray ... the feeling will lessen over time and I can live my days in peace."
Judge Allen said that despite what had happened to her, the woman did not reveal any anger or vengeance towards Hodson.
The court heard Hodson's mental illness was not linked to his crime.
He was now estranged from his wife and children and had attempted self-harm in custody.
Hodson, who was described as of low intellect, showed no reaction and clasped his hands during sentencing
=================================================
No comments:
Post a Comment