Sex offender jailed for life for 'barbaric' riverside attack on pensioner
Anthony Roberts was given a life sentence for trying to kill the pensioner in Kleve Walk, Worcester
Last updated 11th Oct 2023
A Worcester sex offender who tried to kill a grandmother by stabbing her more than 50 times has been jailed for life - again.
Anthony Roberts, 56, unleashed the unprovoked attack on a respected member of the community in her 70s near the river Severn in May.
Worcester Crown Court heard how the sustained attack left the victim in a serious condition and she broke down in court as she recalled Roberts' brutal actions.
She said her injuries were life-changing and the psychological effects of the attack meant she can no longer leave the house alone. She needed 10 hours of surgery the day after the attack but said she will never fully recover.
Sentencing Roberts, The Honourable Mrs Justice Naomi Ellenbogen said the attack was barbaric and ferocious and he must serve at least 19 years and three months in prison before being considered for release.
West Mercia Police Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Lougher said: “This was an incredibly violent attack on an innocent woman, which shocked the local community to the core.
“Thankfully, the victim survived but her road to mental and physical recovery will be a long one. The outcome could have been very different.
“I’d like to commend her on the courage she has shown in helping us to bring her attacker to justice.
“I have no doubt that the mental impact of this attack will haunt the victim for the rest of her life, but I hope that today’s sentence will allow her to begin to move forwards."
Roberts had armed himself with a kitchen knife and took off his top before the attack in Kleve Walk where he punched, stabbed and sexually assaulted the victim.
She screamed for help and tried to call the police but her bloody hands meant the phone slipped from her grip. Roberts, who'd already served more than 20 years in prison for previous offences, threw it in the river.
A passer-by then called the police and Roberts halted what the judge said were heinous crimes when officers arrived.
Roberts, of Green Hill, repeatedly degraded the victim during the attack and said no one would help her. He threatened to kill her as he "pummelled" the pensioner.