A MAN WHO forced his way into a pensioner’s home in London and raped her has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Jason Batchelor (46) was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court today after pleading guilty to rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, actual bodily harm and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.
Batchelor received a total of 20 years for rape with a 12-year custodial sentence, with eight years to be served on licence upon release.
He received the same sentence for his other crimes. Each sentence is to run concurrently.
Shortly before 8am on Wednesday, 11 May, a woman in her 70s was in her kitchen preparing breakfast when Batchelor tapped on a window at the back of her house.
The Metropolitan Police said the woman indicated for him to leave her garden, which he did. However, he then walked around the property and knocked on the front door.
The woman opened her door slightly to ask him what he wanted, at which point he placed his foot in the doorway and forced his way in.
Upon gaining entry to the house, he punched the woman, causing extensive bruising to her face. Police said he went on to rape her and take cash from her before leaving the property.
‘Horrific ordeal’
The woman alerted emergency services and was admitted to hospital for her injuries.
An investigation was launched by detectives from the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.
Police said media appeals immediately after the incident identified important witnesses who provided evidence of assistance to the investigation team.
As a result of detailed forensic examinations, DNA evidence was obtained and found to be a match for Batchelor.
Detectives arrested him at his home address on Saturday, 14 May. Upon his arrest, Batchelor apologised and said he had “never done anything like this before”.
He was charged the following day.
Detective Inspector Keith Ward said:
This was a horrific ordeal for this elderly lady and her courage and bravery throughout this investigation has been humbling.
“Batchelor is a dangerous offender who committed offences against the woman in her own home, a place where she has every right to feel safe and secure.”
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