Woman, 78, wins right to sue rapist who won £7m

A RETIRED teacher has gained legal permission to claim compensation from a serial rapist who won £7 million (€8.8m) on the national lottery in Britain.

A High Court judge said yesterday the 78-year-old woman, Mrs A, can pursue her damages claim against Iorworth Hoare for the psychological injuries she says she suffered after he attacked her in Roundhay Park, Leeds, in 1988.

Hoare, 59, was convicted of attempted rape and jailed for life. He spent 16 years in prison. He had six previous convictions for rape, attempted rape and indecent assault. He bought the winning ticket while on day release in August 2004.

Five months ago, Mrs A won a Law Lords ruling that, in serious assault cases, courts could extend the time limit within which claims must be made.

Her claim was then sent back to the High Court.

Mr Justice Coulson said while there were some factor’s in Hoare’s favour, the factors in Mrs A’s favour carried far greater weight.

It was a serious assault. As a direct result, Hoare was given a life jail sentence, which rendered him incapable of earning a living and not worth suing.

Mrs A’s case was “wholly exceptional”, he said. Such circumstances would rarely arise. “It will be even rarer for such a defendant, years later, to buy a lottery ticket which wins him £7m or otherwise comes into an unexpected fortune which makes him suddenly worth pursuing after all.”

He ordered an urgent trial of Mrs A’s action if no settlement is reached.

Mrs A says she suffers nightmares and the assault destroyed her self-esteem.

Hoare, released from prison in 2005, is reported to live in a €900,000 house near Newcastle.