Park sex attack: Victim’s relief at guilty verdict
Convicted...Peter Smith and (below) the accurate artists' impression released by police following the attack in Little Bowden.
THE VICTIM of a knife-point sex assault has spoken of her relief after her attacker was found guilty.
Peter Smith was found guilty on Tuesday of two charges of attempted kidnap, one of sexual assault and one of possessing a knife, following a five-day trial at Northampton Crown Court.
Smith (33), of Rushton Road, Rothwell, attacked a 23-year-old woman at knifepoint as she walked along the alleyway leading from Scotland Road to Little Bowden Rec on November 17 last year.
He was caught three months later, after attempting to abduct a 17-year-old in Desborough on February 18.
Speaking after the verdict, the victim of the Little Bowden attack, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, said: “I am relieved that the court case is now over and that the right outcome was reached.
“I am grateful for the support shown to me by Leicestershire Police officers throughout my ordeal.”
Detective Constable Rob Arthur, the investigating officer for Leicestershire police, said: “Sexual assaults by strangers are extremely rare occurrences but that makes it no less frightening for the victim. She has been very brave in reporting this to police after going through a very distressing experience and we’ve supported her in every way we can.
“This conviction is an excellent result and just goes to show how valuable releasing a particular piece of information can be. The media played an important part in this investigation by helping the appeal receive as much publicity as possible. If we had never issued this impression there is a chance we could never have arrested Smith and brought him to justice for this terrifying assault.
“I would also like to thank the local people of Little Bowden for their support and assistance throughout this investigation. I hope that today’s verdict will give this small tight knit community the peace of mind that following this shocking crime the man responsible will be sent to prison.”
During the trial, the 23-year-old woman victim of the Little Bowden attack had told the court how she was threatened by Smith with a Stanley knife after he followed her up the dark alleyway.
He pulled her in the direction of his car before ordering her to lie on the ground and laying on top of her as he attempted to put his hand up her skirt.
After the failed attempt he pulled the woman up and threatened to stab her, but she pushed away from him and shouted for help, and Smith ran off.
Three months later he attempted to abduct the 17-year-old from Rothwell Road in Desborough.
She escaped after flagging down a passing car but remembered the registration number of Smith’s car, which was used by police to catch him.
He was charged with the Little Bowden offences after the victim identified him from a photo line-up.
Detective Inspector Mark Pattison, from Northamptonshire Police, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to praise the victim for her quick-thinking.
“Not only did she manage to get safe, she also remembered some valuable details which helped us to trace and arrest Mr Smith within a couple of hours of the incident taking place.
“I am satisfied that the work carried out by our officers on the night of this incident in tracing and arresting him, has prevented other offences from taking place.”
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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