Man jailed for life for preying on elderly women in East Lancashire while they slept in their homes
26-year old Zsolt Suhaj will serve a minimum of 11 years in prison
Last updated 27th Apr 2017
A man - who climbed through an open window and raped a 66-year old woman in her own home in East Lancashire - has been jailed for life.
The woman in Colne had just finished making a cup of tea and gone back upstairs to bed - when 26 year old Zsolt Suhaj launched his horrific attack.
He was also found guilty of attempting to carry out six other similar attacks on elderly women during 2016. He would target women in their 60s, 70s and 80s - generally living alone and in bungalows.
In each case he broke in their homes through insecure windows and doors.
The judge described it as "every woman's worst nightmare."
Our reporter Amy Scarisbrick was at the sentencing hearing at Burnley Crown Court:
Chief Inspector Gary Brooks spoke to us outside Burnley Crown Court:
Zsolt Suhaj, 25, of Barkerhouse Road, Nelson was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 11 years after previously being found guilty of rape, five counts of burglary, attempted burglary, six offences of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault.
He had to be escorted out of court as he started shouting and lashing his arms around in the dock whilst waiting to be sentenced. He was restrained by four prison guards and was sentenced in his absence.
DCI Gary Brooks from Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team said: “I am pleased with today’s result given the seriousness and sinister nature of Suhaj’s crimes.
“There is no doubt in my mind that he is a dangerous sexual predator whose behaviour escalated over the period of just few months, culminating in the rape of an innocent woman who should have been safe in her own home.
“Before that, he let himself into the homes of other women intent on sexually assaulting them for his own sickening gratification.”
“Suhaj has shown no regards or remorse towards his victims, forcing them through the ordeal of a trial where they had to relive what happened to them.
“I would like to commend them, in particular the woman who was subjected to a serious sexual assault, for showing extreme courage in coming forward and giving evidence.
“I hope that now Suhaj is behind bars they will now be able to move forward with their lives.”