Rhyl man jailed for seven years for raping unconscious woman

RHYL MAN JAILED FOR SEVEN YEARS FOR RAPING UNCONSCIOUS WOMAN

Rhyl man Vernon Henshaw, aged 67, who resided on West Parade, was convicted of raping an unconscious woman after strangling her.

The victim, a disabled pensioner, had an encounter with Henshaw in her Colwyn Bay flat in April of the previous year.

Henshaw claimed that the sex was consensual and took place in her bedroom, but the jury found him guilty after a three-day trial at Caernarfon Crown Court.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

The court heard that Henshaw, who is deaf, blind in one eye, and has learning difficulties, had developed a fixation on the victim, following her around town and even posting notes through her letterbox.

On the day of the assault, he approached her and was initially refused entry.

Despite being told to leave, he uninvitedly walked into her home and attacked her in her kitchen, grabbing her by the throat and choking her until she lost consciousness.

He then raped her while she was unconscious.

After the assault, he left as if nothing had happened.

When questioned by police, Henshaw admitted that sex had occurred but claimed it was consensual.

The judge recognized his communication difficulties but noted the incident was extremely traumatic for the victim.