Rapist attacked 83-year-old widow

Lange had taken drugs and alcohol at a party before raping the woman

A rapist who attacked an 83-year-old woman in her Liverpool home has been jailed for 10 years.

Vaughan Lange, 20, was described as "the absolute pits" by a judge at the city's crown court.

Lange, of Stonegate Drive, Norris Green, had taken drugs and alcohol at a party before he carried out the rape in October 2003.

He had gone back to the victim's house with her grandson before threatening her with a knife and following her into her bedroom.

He then raped her, before police alerted by neighbours arrested him at the house.

Miss Theresa Pepper, prosecuting, said the victim was examined in hospital and found to have suffered internal injuries as well as bruising to her face and body.

This poor woman's life has been completely ruined Judge Sean Duncan

Ian Whitehurst, defending, said Lange had admitted both offences and was "deeply remorseful".

Judge Sean Duncan, sentencing Lange to 10 years in prison, told him: "The behaviour you indulged in that night on anyone would be sordid and disgusting, but when it is on an elderly member of the community it can fairly be described as the absolute pits.

"There is no human explanation for it."

He added: "This poor woman's life has been completely ruined.

"She had lived in her home for 40 years, but felt she could not possibly spend a moment longer in it and has moved away.

"She had lived an independent and happy life but your dreadful conduct put an end to all that."

He ordered Lange to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.