Michael Hanmore 46

Description

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.

Prolonged attack

Hanmores 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 victims 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 victims 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.