Michael Hanmore, 46, has been handed a life sentence at Maidstone Crown Court for the horrific rape and burglary of an elderly and disabled woman in her Isle of Sheppey home.
Hanmore will serve a minimum of 12 years before being eligible for parole, less time already spent in custody, and will be subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
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The court heard how Hanmore targeted the vulnerable victim at her Queenborough Road, Sheerness, address in the early hours of Saturday, May 7, 2022. The woman was awoken around 2 am by noises in her kitchen before Hanmore forced his way into her bedroom.
In a prolonged and brutal attack, Hanmore raped the victim and then stamped on her arms and body while demanding money. He subsequently stole cash from her room before finally leaving the property after being inside for over an hour. The victim later discovered her mobile phone and tablet were also missing, leaving her unable to call for help until a scheduled visitor arrived after 9 am.
Kent Police swiftly launched an investigation, utilising ANPR technology to track the victim’s stolen vehicle. This, coupled with other evidence, quickly led them to identify Hanmore as the prime suspect. He was apprehended in Hackney, East London, the following evening, Sunday, May 8.
Mobile phone analysis placed Hanmore in the same locations as the stolen car, and forensic evidence from the victim’s home further linked him to the crime. He pleaded guilty to charges of rape, burglary, and theft of a motor vehicle prior to sentencing. The life sentence reflects the gravity of his appalling crimes against a defenceless member of the community.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Kath Way 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. 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.
‘She 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.’