TEENAGER CONVICTED FOR PREDATORY ATTACK ON ELDERLY WOMAN IN CARE HOME

A teenager described as 'predatory and dangerous' who attempted to rape an elderly woman at a nursing home has been sentenced. Josh Howarth, aged 19, admitted to the attack that took place at New Thursby Nursing Home in Lytham St Annes on August 4. He was apprehended after a staff member disturbed him and he fled through a window. The victim has since died, although police confirmed her death was not linked to the attack. Howarth was sentenced by Preston Crown Court to six years and nine months in a young offenders institute, with an additional three years and three months on licence. He was also placed on the sex offenders register. Det Insp Jamie Lillystone from Lancashire Police described the crime as 'sickening', emphasizing that Howarth went to great lengths to break into her bedroom with intentions of committing a 'despicable crime', and added that 'the only consolation is that he was disturbed by a member of staff, but nonetheless this was an extremely traumatic experience.' The detective also remarked that Howarth's actions were 'predatory and dangerous' and expressed hope that the sentence would help his family find 'some peace and closure'.