A CONVICTED killer who beat up and tried to rape an 88-year-old woman in her own home has been jailed for life.

Wayne Michael Oxley, 37, formerly of Clare Street, Burnley, was branded depraved by the judge for his appalling attack.

As he was sentenced it emerged Oxley had slit an elderly woman’s throat during a burglary at her home.

In 1988 he was jailed for manslaughter after she died from her injuries.

Oxley, described as a prolific burglar and thief, had also been convicted of having sex with a 12-year-old girl when he was 25.

Last August he struck at the Accrington woman’s home in the Woodnook area.

He had also tried to get into a 66-year-old woman’s home half an hour earlier.

After the case, Detective Superintendent Neil Hunter said: "The sentencing reflects what a nasty, unprovoked attack this was on a vulnerable and defenceless lady of mature years.

"I am appalled and disgusted that someone would even consider attacking a lady of this age and it makes it especially heinous with the attack taking place in her own home.

"The public can now be confident that the community is a safer place as a result of this conviction.

"The shocking element of this offence is the fact that Oxley was prowling the area looking for an opportunity to attack a vulnerable member of the community.

“This was a serious attack committed by a coward and I am convinced that the victim' s plucky actions and stout resistance prevented the attack developing into something far more serious.

"I have nothing but praise for the victim in this case. What she has been through is unimaginably, traumatic and distressing. She has shown exceptional bravery and dignity throughout this case together with her family.”

Burnley Crown Court was told Oxley burst into the woman’s home at 9.30pm and immediately got hold of her and flung her onto the bed.

He exposed himself and then struck her across the face when she begged to be let go.

Oxley, last of Burnley Road, Accrington, tried to force her to commit a sex act then forced her to the floor, grabbing her arms.

Rowena Goode, prosecuting, said: “She said she kept saying she was too old and she then had the thought she would actually tell him her age and she said to him she was 88 years of age.

“She indicated that when she said that the defendant desisted from his actions. He got up and he left."

The pensioner, who was left with a bloody nose and injuries to her eye and arms, rang her son and a neighbour.

Judge Heather Lloyd told Oxley: “Anybody hearing the facts of this terrible case can't fail to be shocked and appalled by the depths of depravity a man could stoop to against a defenceless victim."

Oxley has recently been under an interim hospital order, but insists he is not mentally ill.

Medics from the hospital say he suffers from psychotic illness with delusions, for which he is now receiving medication, and a serious personality disorder, including anti-social and narcissistic disorders.

Forensic psychiatrist Rakib Abdur said the defendant's explanation for what he had done was that certain people were manipulating his mind and made him do it.

Doctors believe Oxley's treatment must continue for his health and the safety of others.

Oxley attempted rape and assault causing actual bodily harm. The sentence includes a Hospital Directions and Limitations Order, to allow for treatment outside prison.

Oxley, who will start the term at Guild Lodge and go to jail after treatment, must serve a minimum of two years and 126 days before the parole board can consider if he is safe to be released.

He will be on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Robert Elias, for Oxley, said: "He would rather do his sentence, however long it is, in prison where he feels he belongs, rather than in the hospital system, where he doesn't feel he belongs."