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Merseyside Police have welcomed the sentencing of a 25-year-old man today (Monday 25 October), following a rape and assault in Kensington.
Tadas Trakselis, of Tuebrook, was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court for nine years, plus three on extended licence, for rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and theft.
At around 12.50am on Monday 23 August, we received a report that a man had grabbed a woman in her 40s by the throat. He dragged her into bushes off Denham Way and Sheil Road, before raping her.
The victim was left injured following the assault.
Following an extensive investigation by officers, Trakselis was arrested on Friday 27 August, charged the next day, and remanded in custody.
He was jailed today following a guilty plea.
Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan from Merseyside Police’s Unity team, the specialist rape and serious assault unit, said, “This was an utterly despicable attack and we welcome that Trakselis is now behind bars.
“While no sentence can repair the pain and suffering Trakselis has caused to his victim, I hope that he will reflect on his disgraceful actions while serving this significant jail time.
“I would like to commend the victim for the incredible bravery and courage she has shown in coming forward to report the crime, and for her strength throughout the investigation.
“I hope that this sentence today will reassure anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that, if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that your report is properly and thoroughly investigated.
“Specialist police officers from our Unity team work side-by-side with a number of partners including Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and the Red Umbrella Project. These organisations work with victims from the moment the police make the referral through to the court case and beyond.”
Anyone with information or wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801. In an emergency, always call 999.