A HAIRDRESSER who tried to rape a 78-year-old widow was today starting a four year jail sentence.

Henry Lasota, aged 60, was told by Mr Justice Sachs at Manchester Crown Court: "You have not displayed the least remorse or regret for this offence. It was outrageous by any standards."

Lasota, of Taylor Street, Prestwich, was acquitted of rape but convicted of attempted rape by a jury on the fourth day of his trial. He had told the jury he had not attacked the woman whom he had known for 50 years.

Prosecutor John Jones QC said Lasota took gifts of cigarettes and alcohol to the widow's Bury home and consumed more drink before the attack. The victim refused to drink with Lasota, who was clearly drunk, and asked him to leave after "unwanted" advances.

He refused and she resisted as he tried to touch her breasts and to remove her underclothing. They fell to the floor and soon afterwards the victim's daughter arrived. Unusually, both the porch and front doors were unlocked and she saw part of the alleged sex attack when her mother's head was under a sofa.

Doctors found the victim had grip-type injuries on her arms and wrists and others consistent with a sex attack.

Lasota had told the jury he and the widow often chatted, laughed and drank together in her home. On the night he said he became drunk and tried to sleep on her sofa.

He alleged she twice interfered with his clothing.

After the jury's verdict, Mr Jones said the victim formerly led an independent life. She lived alone and was a keen and able gardener.

Since the attack there had been a marked deterioration in her lifestyle. The incident had affected her confidence and she was effectively dependent on others who cared for her.