A 'tremendously brave' rape victim died before she could see justice served - after her cowardly attacker tried to reverse his plea and delayed sentencing.
Michael Hanmore, 46, admitted to the sex crime, burglary and stealing a motor vehicle after an incident on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent in 2022.
But police say he later tried to change his mind, prolonging legal proceedings - during which time his elderly and disabled victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, died.
Hanmore, of Sheerness, Kent, was jailed for life with a minimum of 12 years - minus time on remand - at Maidstone Crown Court earlier today.
Detective chief inspector Kath Way, of Kent Police, 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.'
Police say Hanmore's attack began at around 2am on May 7 three years ago, when his victim was awoken by the sound of someone moving in her kitchen.
Michael Hanmore, 46, admitted to rape, burglary and stealing a motor vehicle after an incident on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent in 2022
But police say he later tried to change his mind, prolonging legal proceedings - during which time his elderly and disabled victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, died. Pictured: Hanmore being tackled by a police officer
Hanmore, of Sheerness, Kent, was jailed for life with a minimum of 12 years - minus time on remand - at Maidstone Crown Court earlier today.
A short time later he burst into her bedroom and carried out a prolonged assault, which including him raping her before stamping on her arms and body whilst demanding money.
The woman then witnessed him stealing cash from within her room before he finally left the property after more than an hour inside.
She later realised her mobile phone and tablet were also missing, leaving her unable to call for help until just after 9am when a visitor she was expecting arrived and was told what had happened.
Detectives launched a probe and were able to use number plate technology 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 his mobile phone showed it had been in the same locations as the victim's car, and forensic evidence captured at the scene was also linked to him, police said.
As well as his life sentence, he will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the rest of his life.
Detective chief inspector Way added: '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.
Hanmore is read his rights by one of the officers responsible for apprehending him
Detectives were able to use number plate technology to trace the route taken by the victim's car after it was driven away from her property
Police 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
Police say Hanmore's attack began at around 2am on May 7 three years ago, when his victim was awoken by the sound of someone moving in her kitchen
'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.'
