Wheelchair rapist 'disgusting'

2005-09-12 23:02

Jackie Pienaar

Somerset West - A magistrate was filled with disgust on Monday when she sentenced a man in a wheelchair to seven years imprisonment for raping an 85-year-old.

Douglas Jack, 56, of Macassar, who had pleaded not guilty, was also declared unfit to have a firearm.

During the rape on the evening of August 26 2004, Jack apparently threatened to kill his slender victim - an asthma-sufferer who struggled to call for help.

The rape took place in the house of Jack's former wife.

She had offered him a place to stay after his legs had been amputated - one in 1988 and the other the following year.

Dr Helen Frank testified that the woman was lying curled up on her side while she was being examined.

The bleeding had been so bad the doctor had feared there would be severe internal injuries, but the woman would not have physical consequences, however.

The rape survivor, who was described by regional magistrate G Roux as tender and fragile, testified from a wheelchair, but normally moved about with the use of crutches.

The court heard that Jack, a former truck driver, moved about at home without the wheelchair by crawling around, using his arms. He was able to climb trees and get into bed without aid.

- Die Burger