Brute tricked victim then launched ‘horrific’ attack.

A THUG who twice throttled an 82-year-old woman unconscious as he raided her home has been jailed for ten years.

James Sweeten, 44, of Narford Road, Upper Clapton, tricked his way into the Shacklewell Lane flat of the woman on May 4 this year pretending he could repair her ceiling and then launched his attack.

Sweeten pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Monday October 18.

DI Rob Plumb, Hackney’s Robbery squad, said: “James Sweeten was sentenced at The Old Bailey to 10 years imprisonment for a horrific attack on an 82 year old female that took place in her home in May 2010.

“Sweeten, who was previously known to the victim, tricked his way into her home on the evening and proceeded to strangle her and threatened to kill her whilst demanding money.

“She was forcefully taken to the ground by him and her mouth covered to prevent her from screaming and raising the alarm. He then frantically searched the premises for valuables and stole a new television set still in its box and a small amount of cash before fleeing the scene.

“Through the bravery of the victim, Sweeten was quickly identified and arrested and her evidence ultimately convicted him at court.

“The victim is still recovering from the ordeal. The sentence passed in this case is undoubtably befitting of the crime and its violent nature.”