Lorenzo Bennin, now 25, was sentenced to 12 months in prison at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, August 28, for sexually assaulting a pensioner in her Black Country home in September 2018. Bennin, who was 17 at the time, followed the woman into her property after she declined his advances, and groped her over her clothing. He fled to Italy after the attack but was arrested in April 2025 when he returned to the UK on holiday, after police identified him through CCTV and tracked his flight.
Attack on vulnerable pensioner
The victim, then in her 70s, had mobility issues and used a walker. She was returning home when she noticed Bennin outside her property. Prosecutor April Beech told the court that Bennin asked the victim to speak to him as he was on his own and 17. Ms Beech said: "He asked if she had children his age. She felt he seemed lonely and innocent so chatted with him." The woman told Bennin she had to go as she was expecting her daughter home.
Bennin followed her down the garden path and asked "do you want sex?" When she said no, he asked why, Ms Beech said. As she unlocked her front door, Bennin pushed it open and stepped inside her porch, where he sexually assaulted her over her clothing. The woman tried to push him out but he was much stronger. She shouted for a neighbour, and Bennin ran away when they approached.
Fleeing and capture
Police identified Bennin through CCTV, spoke to his family in the UK, and contacted his father in Italy. He was listed as wanted on the police national system. Staff at Gatwick Airport confirmed he was due to fly back to the UK in April 2025, and he was arrested on arrival. He has remained in Britain since, with his passport seized. Defence barrister Gerard Colbon said Bennin had been on holiday in the UK at the time and returned to Italy after the offence. Mr Colbon said: "He has not been able to work and has been dependent on the generosity of family and friends."
Bennin, of Polruan Place, Milton Keynes, had a job in an Italian garment factory before his arrest. Mr Colbon said: "He has told me, notwithstanding this offence, that providing he can return by about New Year, the job will be available to him again." He noted that Bennin had been immature at the time and that there was a chance of rehabilitation. The court heard Bennin had no previous convictions in the UK or Italy and has not committed any other offences since 2018. His pre-sentence report noted a 'self-evident preoccupation with sexual matters'.
Sentencing and impact
Judge Jonathan Gosling said Bennin 'plainly targeted this particularly vulnerable lady', adding: "She does continue, even after all these years, to feel insecure and frightened in the one place she should feel safe." He noted the delay in the case lay at the defendant's own door, as he fled the country knowing he would be arrested. The judge said the 'only appropriate sentence is an immediate prison sentence', citing the psychological consequences to the victim and the fact the crime took place in her home. He made a five-year restraining order, saying: "He is most unlikely to remain in this country for very long but it will, I hope, give comfort to the victim of this attack."
Bennin, who was assisted in court by an Italian interpreter, was jailed for 12 months and must sign the sex offenders register for 10 years. Judge Gosling told him: "What you did to that old lady has changed her life really. Even after all this time, she still feels insecure in her own home and that's the main reason I'm passing an immediate prison sentence. It really was a very serious crime."
