A “controlling” rapist who travelled more than 120 miles to intimidate a woman before smashing her head off a road has been jailed.
Michael Lesko “showed no remorse” and was described as “living in a fantasy world” when he was jailed for ten years for the sick sex attacks on Thursday (July 24).
It follows an incident last year when Lesko travelled to Durham with intentions to harass a woman, waiting inside the bus station for her.
When he spotted her, he jumped on the same bus, following her to Ferryhill, where she went into a pub for her own safety as he followed behind.
When she thought the coast was clear, she left the pub; but Lesko, who lived in Bridlington, was waiting outside and began following her.
After getting into an argument with the victim, the 29-year-old launched an attack, pushing her, grabbing her hair, and lifting her up before hitting her head off the road.
The woman bravely reported the incident and disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by Lesko and raped on another occasion by him.
Lesko, of New Burlington Road, was later found guilty following a trial in March of rape, stalking, sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm, all in breach of a suspended sentence order made last year.
He appeared at Durham Crown Court this morning (July 24) where he was sentenced to ten years in prison.
Safeguarding Detective Gary Tinkler said: “Lesko is a controlling and dangerous offender, who poses a high risk to women.
“Lesko has shown no remorse and was described during sentencing as living in a fantasy world where he takes no responsibility for his own actions.
“I would like to praise the victim involved in this case whose courage has led to a conviction. Hopefully, she can now close this horrific chapter and can begin to move on with her life.”
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In the UK, one in five women and one in ten men will experience stalking in their adult lives
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted, fixated, and obsessive behaviour which can cause someone to feel distressed or afraid.
Sound like something you’re experiencing? Tell us, stalking is a crime.
Call us on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.
For more advice and support:
National Stalking Helpline – 0808 802 0300
Suzy Lamplugh Trust – www.suzylamplugh.org
Alice Ruggles Trust – www.alicerugglestrust.org
Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service - www.paladinservice.co.uk
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