WIDNES SEXUAL ATTACKER TO BE SENTENCED AFTER DISTURBING HOME INVASION
A PERVERT who broke into a young woman's home while she was sleeping and sexually abused her is set to be sentenced later this week.The crime involved Hickey holding the terrified woman down by the throat and threatening to stab her during the attack at her home in Peel House Lane, Widnes, on July 27 of the previous year.
The attacker, 29-year-old Jeffrey Hickey of Mayfair Grove, Widnes, climbed up a drainpipe and gained entry through an open window around 3:30 am.
He then left by descending via the drainpipe shortly after the assault.
Detective Inspector Nigel Wenham, who led the investigation, stated, "Given the extreme nature and seriousness of this crime, I have no doubt that Hickey is clearly an extremely dangerous individual who poses a serious threat to the general public." A thorough investigation by Cheshire Police identified Hickey as the suspect using DNA evidence.
He was arrested in Chester on August 8 but initially refused to admit to the charge of assault by penetration until a week before his trial was scheduled at Warrington Crown Court.
DI Wenham commented on Hickey's attitude, saying, "Hickey showed no remorse for his crime - or compassion towards the victim - throughout the criminal justice process." The detective also highlighted the lasting trauma on the victim, who remains deeply shocked and is no longer able to be alone in her house.
He expressed confidence that Hickey would face a lengthy prison sentence.
Addressing the rarity of such crimes in Cheshire, DI Wenham assured the community that Hickey would be behind bars for an extended period, with the sentencing scheduled for that Friday.
