Brave pensioner died before seeing cowardly burglar who raped her in her home jailed

A burglar who raped an elderly and disabled woman in her own home has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Michael Hanmore, 46, attacked his victim at an address on the Isle of Sheppey in the early hours of Saturday 7 May 2022 before stealing her car from outside. He was arrested by Kent Police officers in London the following day and later admitted being responsible for the offences.

The resident of Queenborough Road, Sheerness was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 20 May 2025 and must serve at least 12 years in prison before being eligible for release on parole, minus the time he has already spent remanded in custody. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the rest of his life.

Hanmore’s victim was woken at around 2am by the sound of someone moving in her kitchen. A short time later Hanmore burst into her bedroom and carried out a prolonged attack, 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 happened.

An investigation was carried out by Kent Police detectives who were able to use ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) 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, on the evening of Sunday 8 May.

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.

Hanmore pleaded guilty to charges of rape, burglary and theft of a motor vehicle prior to sentencing.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Kath Way said: "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. 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. 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.

"She 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."