Shyhiem Frances-Myers

On the morning of 13 January 2018, Shyhiem Frances-Myers, a 21-year-old man from Wigston, approached the home of an elderly woman in the same town. He knocked on her door, and when she answered, he forced his way inside, subjecting her to a prolonged and horrific attack involving two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault. During the assault, Frances-Myers also stole the victim's bank card before fleeing the scene.

The victim, demonstrating remarkable bravery, immediately contacted Leicestershire Police upon his departure. This swift action enabled a thorough investigation, which was supported by the victim's full cooperation throughout the ordeal. Detective Constable Chris Sherwin, the lead officer in the case, commended her courage, stating: "She has shown bravery and courage throughout this horrendous ordeal and fully supported our investigation which has led to the offender being brought to justice."

Frances-Myers was subsequently charged and appeared at Leicester Crown Court on 14 February 2018, where he pleaded guilty to all counts: two of rape, two of sexual assault, and one of theft. The court scheduled his sentencing for 9 April 2018. This case underscores the vulnerability of elderly individuals and the importance of prompt reporting, as highlighted by Leicestershire Police's ongoing efforts to combat sexual offences.

Leicestershire Police, the prosecuting force, had launched the 'All Is Not Lost' campaign in October 2017 to raise awareness about rape and encourage victims to report incidents early while preserving evidence. DC Sherwin emphasised the support available, noting: "We have specially trained officers to help victims of rape and sexual assault from the moment they make the report and throughout the whole court process." The investigation's success in this instance reflects the effectiveness of such initiatives in bringing perpetrators to justice.