Police satisfied with sentence for rapist

Police force chiefs today said they were "satisfied" with the sentence given to a rapist who assaulted an elderly woman in a Shropshire cemetery.

Haydyn Mellor, of no fixed abode, was given an indeterminate prison sentence today and warned he would serve a minimum of three years before being considered for parole, for the attack in Hengoed Cemetery near Oswestry in July this year.

The 21-year-old had previously admitted two charges of rape, one of sexual touching and one of stealing the victim's purse.

Detective Inspector Mick Homden, the deputy senior investigating officer, said: "I am satisfied with the outcome of today's hearing, and in particular, the indeterminate sentence.

"Haydyn Mellor is a dangerous young man who subjected an elderly lady to a terrifying ordeal. It is difficult to imagine the distress she must have suffered both on the day and in the months that followed.

"I would like to pay tribute to her stoicism. She has found the courage and strength to cope with the undoubted trauma, supported by the love of family and friends.

"Her demeanour has been a source of inspiration to the entire investigation team.

"I hope some comfort can be taken from the conclusion of the court case and that she and her family are able to continue the process of moving forward."

Mr Homden said the whole community in and around Hengoed had been outraged by the incident.

"This was the second serious attack on a woman in just three months.

"The two incidents were unrelated but were of a similar nature and I know people living locally were left shocked and disturbed," he said.

"Fortunately, the police were able to arrest and charge both offenders within a matter of days.

"Nevertheless, I fully appreciate the impact two extremely serious assaults within such a short period of time must have had on people living in the area.

"I would like to thank the local community of Hengoed and Gobowen for the way in which residents assisted the police, not only with valuable information, but for the manner in which they pulled together as a community."

He said violent crimes of this nature were rare and Shropshire remained one of the safest parts of the country.

He added that officers sought to restore public confidence by providing information about the progress of the investigation and held a public meeting in Hengoed to address issues of concern.

By Suzanne Roberts