Anthony Roberts

A serial offender with a history of violent and sexual crimes against women has pleaded guilty to attempted murder and sexual assault following a brutal knife attack on an elderly pensioner in Worcester.

Anthony Roberts, 56, of Amber Heights, Green Hill, Worcester, was released on licence in December 2022 after serving a life sentence imposed in 1991 for a series of offences including attempted murder, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon. These prior attacks, which occurred in underpasses in the West Midlands area, bore 'striking similarities' to the recent incident, as noted by prosecutor Kate Hatton during an earlier hearing at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court.

The attack took place in the early hours of 7 May 2023 near the River Severn in Worcester's South Parade and riverside area. A member of the public alerted police after hearing the victim screaming. Officers arrived to find Roberts standing over the elderly woman, covered in blood, with a knife in hand. He was observed bending over her, seemingly still attacking, and was threatened with a Taser, prompting him to throw the knife to the ground and flee a short distance before being apprehended.

The victim suffered multiple stab injuries and was initially in a life-threatening condition. Roberts had threatened her with rape and death during the assault. Following his arrest at approximately 2am, police discovered a diary entry at his home, along with 'Jack the Ripper material' containing notes and pornography streaming on his television.

Roberts' criminal history includes convictions for gross indecency with a child in 1982, and further sexual offences in 1983, 1984, and 1985. He also received eight months' imprisonment in April 2019 for escaping lawful custody. Flanked by dock and prison officers from HMP Long Lartin during his court appearance, Roberts entered pleas of guilty to attempted murder, assault by penetration, and possession of a knife at Birmingham Crown Court on 30 August 2023. He made no comment to police questions post-arrest.

Judge Simon Drew remanded Roberts in custody for sentencing at Worcester Crown Court on 2 October 2023. The case was heard without the Crown opening its full case, but details emerged from the prior magistrates' hearing held the day after the attack.

Source: The Independent, article dated 30 August 2023.