Sam Rimmer , 19 , sexually assaulted an 84-year-old woman at knife point and was jailed for 12 years . A teenager who sexually assaulted an 84-year-old woman at knifepoint in a brutal attack which left her with 44 separate injuries has been jailed for 12 years . Sam Rimmer , 19 , climbed in through the window of the frail victim 's home before launching the 'vicious ' sex attack . The drunken intruder was armed with a large bread knife when he broke into her house in Greater Manchester on November 8 last year . The terrified woman became aware of a 'shadow in her room ' moments before he sexually assaulted and tried to rape her , Manchester Crown Court was told . She fought back and grabbed the knife from the thug , dropping the weapon by the side of the bed . Rimmer , from Irlam , Greater Manchester , responded by punching the arthritis sufferer on the shoulder and forcing his fist into her mouth to silence her screams as he continued his horrifying attack . But as she prayed out loud he 'suddenly came to his senses ' , apologised and fled before confessing to a friend . Prosecutor Phil Dobson told the court how the woman 's mobility was badly affected by the attack . Because she now struggles to move her right arm , the pensioner has become reliant on her family and struggles to pay for carers to help with cooking , dressing and bathing . Despite sleepless nights , she has shown a 'spirited determination and forgiving attitude ' in the wake of her terrible ordeal , Mr Dobson said . In a witness impact statement , the elderly woman said she had forgiven Rimmer for the shocking attack . ' I feel comfortable in the home I have had for 55 years and I will not let anyone force me out of my own home , ' she said . 'Unfortunately I do n't think I will ever be able to forget this incident , due to the physical problems I have and the upset it has caused not only me , but my family . ' I really struggle to understand why he has done this to me , however I have no ill feelings towards him and forgive him for what he has done . ' I 'm a strong Catholic and feel sorry for him and his family . I hope he will turn his life around . ' Rimmer forced his hand into the frail woman 's mouth to silence her screams as he continued his horrifying sex attack , Manchester Crown Court ( pictured ) heard . Hunter Gray , defending , argued that with no previous convictions , Rimmer should not be classed as a 'dangerous ' offender . But judge Hilary Manley disagreed , saying that Rimmer attacked the victim with 'extreme force and viciousness ' . She added : 'She tried to resist and fight you . You were a young man of 19 , making yourself as fit as possible for entry into the Army . She was an 84-year-old who had to use sticks when she walked . 'She is clearly resilient and brave but these offences have had a profound impact on her life ... she 's not spent a night at home alone since this incident . This was a vicious and humiliating attack on a vulnerable and defenceless elderly woman , it must have been a terrifying experience for her . 'Had she not managed to disarm you it could have ended even more badly . ' 'You can not present a reason why you committed this offence - the lengthy and unnecessary violence causes the gravest concern . ' Rimmer admitted attempted rape and sexual assault and was jailed for 12 years . He must spend an extra five years on licence and will not be released until the authorities are satisfied he is no longer dangerous .
Sam Rimmer sexually assaulted and tried to rape an 84-year-old woman . Drunken teenager climbed through her window before launching his attack . He was armed with a bread knife as he sexually assaulted elderly woman . Rimmer forced his fist into the woman 's mouth to silence her screams . She has forgiven her attacker despite being left with life-changing injuries . Rimmer , 19 , was jailed for 12 years after admitting the 'vicious ' attack .