Man Attempted To Rape 89-Year-Old Woman As He Wanted To Go Back To Prison

A U.K. sex offender recently released from prison attempted to rape an elderly woman because he wanted to get sent back to prison rather than live in his tent.

Graham Cox, 59, of no fixed residence, was given an 18-year extended sentence at a court in England this week after forcing his way into the home of an 89-year-old retiree and trying to rape her last year, Cornwall Live reported.

Following his latest arrest, Cox, who was living in a tent after his release, told police he preferred being in prison as he was warm, fed and had a TV in his room.

Cox pleaded guilty to attempted rape, assault by penetration, threats to kill and failure to comply with sex offender notification requirements in Truro Crown Court for the attack on the elderly woman.

Cox was released from prison on Sept. 19, 2021, after serving a full 39-month sentence for a sex attack on a friend who was trying to help him, according to prosecutor Joss Ticehurst.

After his release, the 59-year-old man ended up living in a tent in the English town of Liskeard. He later bumped into an acquaintance, who was a friend of the victim.

Cox was told by the woman that her friend, the 89-year-old victim, was looking for a lodger and was eventually taken to the victim’s home and shown around. Cox and the victim then agreed that he would return in a few days as he had to go to Bristol first.

However, Cox returned a day earlier than expected and knocked on the victim's door, the prosecutor said. When the elderly woman opened the door, Cox forced the victim to the floor, turned her over, pulled her pants down and assaulted her using his fingers.

Cox tried to rape the pensioner but failed because he could not get an erection, Ticehurst told the court. He then repeatedly threatened to rape the victim and threatened to kill her if she did not go upstairs.

The woman managed to call for help through a window when he went to lock the door, and Cox fled the scene.

Cox was later arrested at his tent after a neighbor of the victim managed to take a photo of him as he left the victim's home.

The prosecutor said Cox told police he “was an A1 prisoner and was a threat to society.”

“He said he did what he did to get back to prison because he couldn’t find a job, it was cold and wet in his tent, but in prison, it was warm, he had warm food and a TV in his room,” Ticehurst stated. “He said it wasn’t a planned act, but he saw it as a way to get back to prison.”

Cox was sentenced to 12 years in prison and six years of supervised release. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.