By Gabriel Princewill-
A 70-year-old convicted rapist has been granted full access to the £7.2 million lottery jackpot he won in the lottery two decades ago, following a 15-year legal battle.
Iorworth Hoare, (pictured) originally from Seacroft, Leeds, purchased the winning Lotto Extra ticket during weekend day’s release from Leyhill open prison in Gloucestershire in August 2004.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
Hoare had been serving a life sentence for rape after his attack on teacher Shirley Woodsman in 1989. Woodsman passed away last year at the age of 92.
At the time, Mr Justice Rougier warned: “Every moment you are at liberty, some woman is at risk.”
Hoare was released from prison in 2005, but was not granted full access to his winnings as part of the conditions of his release. Instead, he had been receiving a monthly allowance of £8,666 following his release on licence.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
Hoare had six previous convictions for rape and other sex offences, dating back to 1973, when he was convicted of the attempted rape of Woodsman.
After a lengthy legal battle that began in 2008, Hoare has now been granted full access to his winnings, including any interest accrued during his time in prison.
The trustees appointed to oversee Hoare’s winnings were reported to have included a Home Office official, Hoare’s lawyer, and his accountant, it has been revealed.
Woodsman successfully sued Hoare for compensation following his lottery win, resulting in him having to pay £50,000 in damages as well as £800,000 in legal costs.
Her legal success open the doors to other victims of sexual abuse, including victims of Jimmy Saville, being able to claim compensation.
At one point during the early period of his win, the media watched his every move, warning women to be aware of who he was and not fall for the allure of his sudden wealth. He was many times observed and snapped by photographers as he window shopped, and at other times when he tried to spend lavishly.
The rapist was required to hand over his passport and required to seek permission every time he wanted to travel abroad. He additionally had to sign regularly at a police station. He was also legally mandated to inform cops of any partner with whom he developed a relationship.
Despite efforts to stop Hoare from accessing his winnings, a Home Office source told the Mirror that “in the end,” there was “nothing legally” that could be done. The victim’s family has since pleaded for Hoare to donate his winnings to charity, but the convicted rapist is not obligated to do so.
Speaking in public for the first time since he served 16 years, he complained that passing motorists slowed down to shout “beast” as they passed him in the street and strangers screamed abuse as he visited local shops.
After learning that Hoare now has full access to his £7.2million jackpot, Woodman’s daughter Shelley Wolfson, 67, told the Mirror: She gave all the compensation she received away to charity, adding that was what he should be doing with his money. He can do good with that money, like my mum did.”
His lottery experience was a typical example of how random the national lottery can be, but also showed the experience not always to be as fulfilling as envisaged by most punters.
The rape convict has had to engage in a long battle for money he won, but now he has access to it, the repugnant details of his deplorable past will make the optimum enjoyment of the windfall difficult.
This depraved recipient of a lottery jackpot most ordinary decent citizens have at one point in their lives clamoured for, will be unable to be fully gratified from the potential level of contentment such sums can afford others.
Speaking in public for the first time, he told Newcastle crown court:
that passing motorists slowed down to shout “beast” as they passed him in the street, and strangers screamed abuse as he visited local shops.
Hoare added: “People shout at me sometimes when I go to the local shops or into the village. Two windows have been smashed, and one cracked.
“Cars go past and people shout ‘Beast’ and other abuse.”
He also claimed that an air pistol was fired at his £700,000 house, eggs and stones were thrown, smashing his windows, and his front gate was set alight
Only a disappearance to another country where he can attempt to clandestinely blend in with the crowd can give him a breathing space, but even then , official authourities of such country and their media will likely be informed of his arrival in their midst.
The Mirror revealed that Hoare has invested his fortune in property, office space and antiques. He has apparently made a profit of an estimated £250,000 a year in rent and boasted of growing his personal fortune.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar