OAP rape terror: man, 26, in court

A MAN charged with raping a 75-year-old woman in her own home was due to be sent to Crown Court today.

Wesley Wilson, of Naze Court, Coldhurst, was charged with rape on Friday afternoon and appeared at Oldham Magistrates Court on Saturday morning.

Dressed in a blue jumper and black trousers, the 26-year-old spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

John Perris, prosecuting, applied for Mr Wilson to be remanded in custody until today so the matter could be sent to the Crown Court.

No application for bail was made and magistrate Terry Cox agreed the application.

The woman was attacked on January 7 at her home in Unsworth Way, Coldhurst, at around 6pm.

Residents and councillors in the Coldhurst community were left shocked by the crime.

Det Sgt Hopkinson, leading the investigation, said: “Thankfully these incidents are rare but when they occur they can create widespread fear for the elderly.”

He said police officers and support staff had been working tirelessly since the incident, and local neighbourhood officers had patrolled the area for the past week offering reassurance to the elderly.