Woman aged 95 in care home sex attack dies

A 95-year-old Bradford woman, claimed to be the victim of a wounding and sex assault during an alleged burglary at the care home where she lived, has died.

Elizabetta Pecka died in hospital almost two months after the incident at the Rosewood Court home, in Shakespeare Close, Barkerend, Bradford.

Detectives are now awaiting the results of a forensic post-mortem examination to establish the precise cause of Mrs Pecka’s death.

They are liaising with lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service about the possibility of bringing in any new charges following her death.

A 20-year-old man has already appeared at Bradford Crown Court in connection with the incident and is due to face trial in July.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said yesterday: “The 95-year-old alleged victim, Elizabetta Pecka, died in hospital on March 17. We are currently awaiting reports from a post-mortem.”

Mrs Pecka suffered severe head injuries during the alleged incident at her ground floor flat on the evening of Friday, January 21.

She was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary where she remained until her death.

Scott Sorby, who was living at a hostel in Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, has been charged with burglary, wounding with intent and sexual assault.

He is also accused of two robberies, at a store in West Park, Leeds, on January 22 and January 23, and burglaries in Shipley on January 22, and West Park on January 25.

A five-day trial has been fixed for July 11, with a plea and case management hearing due to take place on May 23.

Detectives are now trying to establish whether there is a link between the alleged incident and the pensioner’s death, which could lead to other charges.