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Rapist who fled UK arrested under EAW to face 20-year jail term (26 October 2015)

Date: 26/10/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Rapist who fled UK arrested under EAW to face 20-year jail term

A rapist who fled to Slovakia to escape justice has been given a 20-year extended sentence at Leeds Crown Court.

Zdenko Turtak raped and viciously assaulted an 18-year-old woman at a Leeds bus stop in Beeston on 5 March 2015, before fleeing to Slovakia to escape justice on 27 March. Before the rape and attack on the victim took place, CCTV evidence suggests he stalked three other women in Leeds.

He was returned to the UK after a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) was issued.

Leeds Crown Court handed down an extended sentence of 20 years, with a custodial element of 14 years for rape – and a concurrent sentence of eight years for grievous bodily harm with intent.

Head of the Complex Casework Unit, CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, Peter Mann, said:

“Zdenko Turtak is responsible for a vicious and terrifying rape.

“'Stranger rape' such as this is rare – and the devastating trauma which the teenage victim experienced will live with her for the rest of her life.

“Turtak sought to evade justice by fleeing to Slovakia – but the CPS obtained a European Arrest Warrant and he was extradited back to face justice in the UK.

“In contrast, the victim has shown real bravery and fortitude throughout the investigation and prosecution. This helped us to build a very strong case, working closely with West Yorkshire Police against the defendant – who, as a result, pleaded guilty to offences of grievous bodily harm with intent and rape.

“Zdenko Turtak is a violent rapist and clearly poses a very clear and grave risk.

“The victim’s courage has ensured that he is now facing 14 years in prison, where he will no longer be a threat to the public.”

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