AN elderly woman prayed aloud while offering an alleged attacker every penny she had, Belfast Crown Court was told yesterday. Mr Patrick Samuel Cross (27) in turn allegedly told his victim he was not human but "a mental lunatic".
Mr Cross, from Moneyslane Road, Ballyward, Co Down, denies attempting to rape the 79 year old woman early on May 28th, 1995. Mr Justice Sheil heard that after her attacker left she went to bed and "kept thinking she would have to, keep it quiet or she would be scandalised". Prosecuting counsel added that despite her fears, the pensioner eventually phoned a neighbour for help nine hours later.
The lawyer said the woman's ordeal began shortly after midnight when she heard a noise at the top of her stairs. She switched on a small torch, only for her attacker, smelling of cigarettes and drink, to reach across and turn it off before climbing on top of her.
The trial continues today.