Bollobridge Road man jailed for rape

Andrej Balog attacked grandmother during burglary

A local man has been jailed after being found guilty of a vicious assault on a woman during a burglary on her home.

Slovakian Andrej Balog, who had a string of convictions in his native country, was convicted of attacking a woman during a burglary in Hayes. She awoke in the middle of the night to find Balog standing naked in the doorway to her bedroom. He then proceeded to rape her at knifepoint and hand over cash which she had been saving for her nieces' birthdays. He had gained entry using a ladder and a small upstairs window which had been left open - the attack took place in July of last year.

His victim gave evidence to the court by video link as Balog had claimed he knew the woman and she had consented. He was found guilty or rape and burlgary and after sentencing the court heard that Balog's offences in his home country had included attacks on elderly women.

Balog will spend at least four and a half years but has to convince the parole board that he no longer presents a danger and may spend much longer in jail. Even on release he will remain under licensed supervision and will be on the sex offenders' register for life.

March 9, 2006