An elderly woman sexually assaulted by a teenager has described how she was left 'shaken' and 'completely helpless' following the attack on her doorstep. The victim, who was in her 70s at the time, was targeted by 17-year-old Lorenzo Bennin outside her Black Country home eight years ago. Bennin, from Italy, was on holiday in the UK at the time and fled home in an attempt to escape justice, but was caught when he returned to the UK last year.
Attack and Immediate Aftermath
In a statement read to Wolverhampton Crown Court, the victim explained that her mobility was 'limited', which meant she needed to use a walker. She said: "I was physically unable to defend myself and this left me feeling completely helpless and scared. Although I did not suffer any physical injuries, the emotional and psychological impact has been overwhelming."
The woman described feeling "panicked, shaken and constantly on edge" in the immediate aftermath, and said she was "deeply frightened that I might see him again." She also said she was left with 'constant worry' that 'someone connected to him might return to her house'.
Lasting Emotional Toll
The pensioner told the court: "This experience initially changed how I felt in my own home and in my daily life. I became fearful, anxious and weary of other people." The impact on her family was also 'devastating', with her daughter left feeling 'constantly worried' about leaving her mum alone in the house. The court heard her daughter felt 'helpless'.
The victim said: "What affected me the most at the time was the loss of my sense of safety and independence. Before this incident, despite my health, I was comfortable in being out. Afterwards, I felt vulnerable and no longer secure in my own home."
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Defiantly concluding her statement, the woman said: "I'm not letting this crime define me and I make every effort to go out and remain strong." Bennin, of Polruan Place, Milton Keynes, admitted sexual assault during his first court appearance in March 2026. The defendant, now 25, was jailed for 12 months and told to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years on Friday, August 28.
The court heard how the woman was on her way home when she noticed Bennin outside her property. He asked to speak to her, said "do you want sex?" and then groped her after she opened her front door. A neighbour came to the victim's aid when they heard her shout "leave me, alone go away". The victim had tried to push Bennin away but he was 'much stronger than her'.
Investigation and Arrest
Police identified Bennin through CCTV, spoke to his family in the UK and contacted his dad in Italy as he had returned home. He was listed as wanted on the police national system. Staff at Gatwick Airport later confirmed to police that he was due to fly back to the UK in April 2025 and he was arrested then.
