An elderly woman has spoken about the lasting effects after she was sexually assaulted by a teenager outside her home in the Black Country eight years ago. The victim, who was in her seventies at the time, was targeted by 17-year-old Lorenzo Bennin, who was visiting the UK from Italy on holiday.
Following the attack, Bennin fled back to Italy in an attempt to avoid prosecution but was later apprehended when he returned to Britain on another holiday the following year. At Wolverhampton Crown Court, the victim described her experience, revealing how her limited mobility required the use of a walker, leaving her physically unable to defend herself during the assault.
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. In the immediate aftermath, I felt panicked, shaken and constantly on edge. I was deeply frightened that I might see him again.”
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The pensioner explained that the incident severely affected her sense of security, both in her home and in her daily life, causing fear, anxiety, and wariness towards others. She also shared concerns about the potential for someone connected to Bennin to return to her house, leading to ongoing worry.
The emotional impact extended to her family, with her daughter reportedly feeling constantly worried about leaving her mother alone and struggling with feelings of helplessness. 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 being out. Afterwards, I felt vulnerable and no longer secure in my own home.”
Despite the trauma, the woman remains determined not to let the assault define her, stating: “I’m not letting this crime define me and I make every effort to go out and remain strong.”
Bennin, now 25 and living in Milton Keynes, admitted sexual assault during his initial court appearance in March 2026. On Friday, 28 August, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years.
The court heard that the victim was approaching her home when Bennin initiated contact and asked, “Do you want sex?” He then groped her after she opened her door. A neighbour intervened after hearing her cries of “leave me alone, go away.”
Although the victim attempted to push Bennin away, he was physically much stronger. Police identified Bennin through CCTV footage and coordinated with law enforcement in Italy after he had returned home. He was listed as wanted on the police national system. Upon learning he was due to fly back to the UK in April 2025, authorities arrested him at Gatwick Airport.
This case highlights the long-term impact sexual assault can have on victims, especially those with vulnerabilities, and demonstrates the persistence of law enforcement in bringing offenders to justice.