A CONVICTED rapist has been branded a danger to the public for two rape attacks on a woman aged 74.

John Roberts, 52, raped the woman at his home in, St Osyth Road, Alresford.

When he was arrested, he told police he had also raped her four times before his latest sex attack.

Police also discovered he had a previous conviction for raping another woman in 2003.

Roberts has been jailed for a minimum of 10 years.

Recorder Patricia Lynch QC told Roberts he had put his victim through a horrifying ordeal and was a danger to the public, especially women.

Speaking after the hearing, investigating officer Det Sgt Stefanie Webster said: “This is a great result for us, but more importantly for the victim. She was put through years of torment and subjected to horrendous sex attacks.

“The judge took into account John Roberts’s previous conviction and he is now safely behind bars where he will not be able to pose a danger to women for years.”

Robert was given a sentence for public protection totalling ten years and will serve the whole time in custody. Even after the ten years, he will have to convince the parole board he is no longer a danger to the public.

The court heard Roberts knew the woman and the rapes had taken place at his home, between November 2010 and September last year.

Samantha Lowther, prosecuting, told Chelmsford Crown Court they had taken place after he had lost his temper during arguments.

Clare Ashcroft, mitigating, told the court reports showed Roberts had borderline intelligence, but realised the offences were serious.