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Lords issue landmark abuse ruling Lords issue landmark abuse ruling
(20 minutes later)
Sexual abuse victims could be able to sue their attackers many years later after a landmark ruling by Law Lords. Victims of sexual abuse may be able to sue their attackers many years later after a landmark ruling by Law Lords.
They ruled in favour of a woman whose life was ruined by a sex attacker who later won £7m on the National Lottery. They ruled a convicted rapist who later won £7m on the National Lottery could be sued by his victim - even though her claim was outside a six-year deadline.
Iorworth Hoare, 53, was jailed for life in May 1989 for the attempted rape of a 59-year-old woman, Mrs A, in Leeds. Iorworth Hoare, 53, was jailed for life in May 1989 for the attempted rape of the 59-year-old woman, Mrs A, in Leeds.
She asked them to change a law preventing claims more than six years after the event. It could pave the way for other victims to sue attackers. Four other historical abuse appeals also succeeded and the decision could allow other victims to sue attackers.
Until now they have been prevented from bringing a claim more than six years after an attack or, in child abuse cases, more than six years after the victim reaches 18. Until now sexual abuse victims have been prevented from bringing a claim more than six years after an attack or, in child abuse cases, more than six years after the victim reaches 18.
Four other appeals by people alleging sexual abuse many years ago also succeeded. These victims will now also be able to go to court to claim damages. The Law Lords ruling now means all five appeal cases will be sent back to the High Court, where judges will decide whether or not to hear the abuse compensation cases.
Luxury lifestyleLuxury lifestyle
In a statement released through her solicitor, Mrs A said: "I am both delighted and relieved that I have succeeded in changing the law which will provide others in the future with the hope of achieving justice.In a statement released through her solicitor, Mrs A said: "I am both delighted and relieved that I have succeeded in changing the law which will provide others in the future with the hope of achieving justice.
"It was this, rather than financial gain, that led me to begin this process two years ago.""It was this, rather than financial gain, that led me to begin this process two years ago."
Mrs A received just £5,000 from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board after the attack in February 1988.Mrs A received just £5,000 from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board after the attack in February 1988.
Hoare was also jailed several times for a string of sex attacks, including rape, two attempted rapes and three indecent assaults, during the 1970s and 1980s.Hoare was also jailed several times for a string of sex attacks, including rape, two attempted rapes and three indecent assaults, during the 1970s and 1980s.
He now lives in a £700,000 mansion in Ponteland, Northumberland after he was one of three winners to share a £21m Lotto Extra jackpot on 7 August 2004.He now lives in a £700,000 mansion in Ponteland, Northumberland after he was one of three winners to share a £21m Lotto Extra jackpot on 7 August 2004.
He bought the lottery ticket while on day release from jail.He bought the lottery ticket while on day release from jail.
Ruling welcomedRuling welcomed
In 2005, a High Court judge ruled a compensation claim by Mrs A was outside the legal six-year limit. The Appeal Court upheld that decision.In 2005, a High Court judge ruled a compensation claim by Mrs A was outside the legal six-year limit. The Appeal Court upheld that decision.
Victim Support welcomed the ruling but said it would help only a small number of people.Victim Support welcomed the ruling but said it would help only a small number of people.
Spokesman Paul Fawcett said: "It's very good news for her but the wider significance is questionable because the vast majority of offenders don't have assets to chase.Spokesman Paul Fawcett said: "It's very good news for her but the wider significance is questionable because the vast majority of offenders don't have assets to chase.
"We have long campaigned for a public fund to allow the courts to award compensation, leaving it to the courts to recover assets from the offender and allowing the victim to walk away and put the crime behind them.""We have long campaigned for a public fund to allow the courts to award compensation, leaving it to the courts to recover assets from the offender and allowing the victim to walk away and put the crime behind them."