Damian Lasota, a 27-year-old man from Bath, has been jailed for 20 years after a series of terrifying sexual offences against vulnerable elderly women in the Twerton area. Described by the judge as 'the stuff of nightmares', Lasota preyed on lone females in their homes during the early hours, with his campaign of terror only halted by police intervention and surveillance technology.
The offences began in May 2020, when Lasota unlawfully entered the home of a 73-year-old woman. According to court proceedings at Bristol Crown Court, he followed her to her bedroom, pulled down his trousers and pants, and exposed himself while stating, 'I like older women'. He attempted to engage her in a sexual act, which she refused, before leaving the property. The incident was reported to Avon and Somerset Police, prompting an upgrade to the woman's home security, including the installation of CCTV cameras.
- Lasota returned to the same woman's home multiple times around 1am, captured on camera prowling in her back garden while masked.
- He also targeted a 65-year-old woman, visiting her home in the early hours and exposing himself, again recorded by CCTV.
Police reports indicated around 40 incidents of a man exposing himself to women in the Twerton area prior to Lasota's arrest. Plain-clothed officers patrolling near the second victim's address observed Lasota acting suspiciously, shining a light towards her property. When disturbed, he fled but was pursued and apprehended. Upon arrest, he was found in possession of small stones in his jeans pocket, face masks, and a torch. Further analysis of his mobile phone revealed internet searches for 'granny porn', confirming his predatory intent.
Lasota, of Parry Close in Southdown, Bath, pleaded guilty to attempted rape, two charges of trespass with intent to commit a sex offence, and two charges of exposure. Judge Julian Lambert, during sentencing on 18 June 2021, remarked: 'You are a predatory sex offender who is the stuff of nightmares. You were a masked prowler, stalking women at dead of night. Your intention was to subdue and then rape women in their own homes at night. To say you have a deeply disturbed sexual psychology is an understatement.'
The sentence comprised a 13-and-a-half-year custodial term plus six-and-a-half years on extended licence, with Lasota required to serve at least two-thirds of the jail term before parole eligibility. He was barred from working with children and vulnerable adults and ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely. Defence barrister Sam Jones argued that factors such as job loss, lockdown isolation, pornography addiction, and substance misuse contributed to the 'perfect storm' of offending, noting Lasota's remorse and willingness to rehabilitate. Prosecutor James Haskell highlighted that no further exposure reports occurred after Lasota's arrest, underscoring the impact of police action by Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
This case, reported by Somerset Live on 18 June 2021, illustrates the vulnerability of elderly residents and the effectiveness of community policing and technology in preventing further harm.