A convicted rapist who won £7.2million on the Lottery has gained full access to his jackpot after a 15-year legal battle leaving his victims furious. Iorworth Hoare (top; inset in 1989), 70, bought the winning Lotto Extra ticket in August 2004 while on weekend leave from Leyhill open prison in Gloucestershire while serving a sentence for rape. He was not allowed unlimited access to his winnings due to conditions of his release from prison on licence. Hoare is understood to have been paid a monthly allowance of £8,666 after being released from prison in 2005. The daughter of one of his victims, the late Shirley Woodman (right of bottom photo with daughter Shelley Wolfson) - who was 59 when Hoare attempted to rape her while she was walking in Roundhay Park in Leeds, in 1988 - has urged him to give the money to charity. A Home Office source told the paper that 'in the end' there was 'nothing legally' which could stop Hoare, originally from Seacroft, Leeds, from accessing the vast amounts of cash. Hoare was jailed for life in 1989 for attempting to rape Mrs Woodsman. He had already had six previous convictions for rape and other sex offences since 1973. Retired teacher Mrs Woodman sued Hoare for damages when she heard of his win but he contested the claim, arguing that victims of sex attacks must make their claims within six years. Mail.
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