A 'RUTHLESS' predator who sexually asaulted vulnerable elderly women has been jailed for eight years.

Richard Saillet, of Crick Road, Hillmorton, Warwickshire, was sentenced today at Oxford Crown Court. He faces two further years on licence.

The 64-year-old pleaded guilty to a 'disturbing' series of sexual assaults on elderly women last year, including one woman from Botley he attacked on April 27.

Saillet called the victim and claimed he needed to visit her about a survey, before visiting her a week later. 

He said he needed to use the bathroom and when she found him in her son’s bedroom he forced her onto the bed, police said. 

He also targeted three other elderly women, each time trespassing on their properties, in Halesowen, West Midlands, on March 8; Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, on May 3; and Greens Norton, Northamptonshire, on May 19. 

On the last occasion Saillet used violence and got 'angry with the victim when she tried to resist', the Crown Prosecution Service said. 

Another offence in Hethe, Oxfordshire, on August 12 2015 was laid on file.

Police identified Saillet through phone records and DNA evidence found at the scenes of offences. He was arrested on May 24.

Detective Constable Richard Lewis said: “This was a very disturbing series of sexual assaults where Richard Saillet has trespassed into the victims’ homes to carry out the offences.

"Saillet targeted his victims, who were all vulnerable, elderly women living on their own.

“Bringing Saillet to justice has very much been a collaborative effort between four police forces, the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service and I would like to thank all of those involved.”

Jeremy Taylor, senior crown prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service added: "Saillet targeted the women, due to their vulnerability, and planned his attacks.

"He is clearly a calculated, ruthless and dangerous man."

“This prosecution would not have been possible without the courage of the victims, who were willing to support proceedings.

"I commend them for their bravery.

"The physical and emotional impact on the victims of the abhorrent actions of this man is impossible to quantify.

"I hope that the convictions and today’s sentence give some small comfort to them. Our thoughts are very much with them all at this time.”