MACCLESFIELD Police AND the town's MP have added their voices to the groundswell of support and praise for Lilian Lovatt calling her "the most determined and bravest of victims".

Echoing the sentiments expressed by crown court judge Mr Justice Roderick Evans and the barristers representing both sides in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Geraint Jones, leading the investigation, and Sir Nicholas Winterton have paid tribute to the victim's astounding strength.

Police officers were so impressed by the former mill worker's resilience they helped arrange for her home of 75 years to be redecorated.

The attack caused fear to spread through Bollington's elderly community, with many buying panic alarms and phoning Age Concern.

But ironically, stoic Lilian refused the alarm offered, telling son Mark: "I want to keep my independence!"

DCI Jones said: "I have to pay tribute to one of the bravest and most determined of victims.

"The extent of Lilian's injuries and the nature of her ordeal would have defeated most people, and both myself and those who have worked closely on this investigation continue to be impressed by her dignity and fortitude."

The experienced inspector thanked the public for their help during the investigation.

He said: "Lee Cotterill preyed on one of the most vulnerable members of our community - an elderly arthritic woman.

"The attack on Lilian sent ripples of fear through the Macclesfield area and we worked closely with Age Concern in Macclesfield, who received a number of calls from elderly people fearful and concerned. He even preyed on the trust of a woman who had been his neighbour as he grew up. Lilian knew her assailant and willingly let him into her home, believing he had come to help her. Instead he had come to kill her.

"It is clear that the attack on Lilian shocked and saddened our community but it is important to remember that such attacks are extremely rare."

Sir Nicholas said: "This must have been a traumatic and horrific experience for Mrs Lovatt and her entire family.

"I have tremendous admiration for Lillian Lovatt. For her to come through this and return home shows a strength I suspect many younger people simply would not have."

  • AGE Concern East Cheshire is offering a free factsheet, Crime Prevention for Older People. Call 01625 612958 for a copy.