Lottery Rapist’s Victim Can Sue For Winnings

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The New York Sun

LONDON — A rape victim whose attacker won nearly $14 million in Britain’s National Lottery has won the right to sue him for compensation. The ruling opens the door for thousands of other damages claims against sex offenders. The retired teacher, known only as Mrs. A, 79, said she was “delighted and relieved” that the law lords had changed the law to enable her to sue Iorworth Hoare, who raped her in Leeds in 1988.

Mr. Hoare, 59, was jailed for life in 1989 and spent 16 years in prison before winning the Lotto Extra in 2004. He was freed on parole the following March.

Until now, victims have only been allowed to bring claims within six years of an attack, or, in cases of child abuse, within six years of reaching the age of 18.

Mrs. A’s case was one of five appeals heard at the House of Lords on how the Limitation Act affects claims in sexual attacks and child abuse cases. The law lords were unanimous in finding that judges should have the discretion to decide whether the time bar of the Limitation Act can be extended.


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