Lottery-winning rapist, 70, who scooped £7.2 million while on day release from prison has been granted full access to funds after a 15-year legal battle
A 70-year-old rapist, Iorworth Hoare, who won a £7.2 million lottery jackpot while on day release from prison in 2004, has been granted full access to his winnings after a 15-year legal battle.
Hoare, who had a life sentence for rape, was allowed to buy the winning ticket during his weekend leave from Leyhill open prison in Gloucestershire. He was previously paid a monthly allowance of £8,666 under conditions of his release on licence. Hoare's legal battle now permits him to access his winnings and any interest accrued during his incarceration.
The victim's family has requested that he donates his winnings to charity, instead of using this money to solve the mental problem that pushed him to rape.
In 1988, Iorworth Hoare attempted to rape Shirley Woodsman while she was walking through Roundhay Park in Leeds. Mrs Woodsman, who was 59 at the time, successfully sued Hoare for compensation following his lottery win.
Hoare was ordered to pay £50,000 in damages and £800,000 in legal costs.
Despite efforts to illegally prevent Hoare from accessing his winnings, a Home Office said that there was nothing legally that could be done to stop him.