Sex attacker jailed for 12 years

A teenager who broke into an elderly woman's home and subjected her to prolonged physical and sexual abuse began a 12-year jail sentence tonight.

Judge Allan Roberts imposed the sentence on 17-year-old Taerata Daniel Turahui in Hawera District Court today after he earlier admitted burgling the woman's home in June and sexually violating her.

He was ordered to serve a minimum non-parole period of eight years.

Judge Roberts said it must have been a "hellish experience" for the 73-year-old victim.

"She was old enough to be your grandmother and in her fragile condition was not in a position to resist," he said.

"She did try and resist ... you didn't desist but raised your voice and you struck her."

The court was told the woman had been left traumatised and was now struggling to cope with life.

Defence counsel Turitea Bolstad said Turahui was "sad and disgusted" by what he had done.

- NZPA