A WOMAN in her 80s who was sexually assaulted by a predator who followed her home has been praised for her courage. 

Philip Packham, 69, assaulted the woman after following her as she walked home through Lordshill. 

He began stroking her hair and then followed her inside her house. 

He sexually assaulted her over her clothing and then left. 

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court yesterday he was jailed for six years with a four-year extended licence. 

READ MORE: Southampton predator left pensioner scared to go out after sex attack

DS Caroline Price from Western Investigations said: "Packham is a dangerous predator who committed this depraved crime in the place where the victim should have felt most safe.

"I would like to praise her courage during the court process.

"I am pleased to see the courts reflect this in their sentence and I hope it acts as reassurance to victims that we will do all we can to make sure offenders face justice."

The incident took place on August 6 last year with Packham, of Exford Avenue, Southampton later pleading guilty to sexual assault and breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). 

The SHPO forbade him from entering any premises with a lone woman inside. 

He was reported to police after the woman told her neighbour about the incident. 

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