A RAPIST whose denials forced his victim to give evidence at his trial is beginning an indeterminate jail term.

Tom Potter

A RAPIST whose denials forced his victim to give evidence at his trial is beginning an indeterminate jail term.

Slawomir Blasiak, from Sittang Close, Colchester, was told he will only be released when no longer considered a danger to the public.

Blasiak, originally from Poland, attacked the teenage girl as she contemplated suicide on May 16, 2008, in the Vineyards area of Colchester.

The victim told the court via video link how she went to the top of the Vineyard Street car park to contemplate suicide when Blasiak attacked her.

After trying to kiss her, the 43-year-old, who had been drinking and smoking, raped her in an alleyway behind the shops in Vineyard Street.

After Friday's sentencing at Southend Crown Court, Detective Inspector Jim Caulfield said Blasiak, who had always denied rape and four counts of sexual activity, was a dangerous man who took advantage of a vulnerable, young girl who was in need of help not abuse.

He added: “The case was fully investigated by detectives from Colchester CID and thanks to their work and help from the public, Blasiak was identified.

“He has however denied his involvement, despite the evidence against him, and therefore forced his victim to relive her ordeal in the court room.”

During the trial Blasiak continually denied the charges and initially lied to police when he was arrested, telling them that at the time of the rape he was at home with his wife, who is yet to be located.

DI Caulfield added: “Officers would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case for her courage in giving evidence against a man who clearly tried to frustrate the system by trying to delay his trial, no doubt hoping the victim would not go ahead and give evidence.

“We sincerely hope the young girl can move on from her past experiences and that Blasiak will have the time in prison to reflect on the distress and trauma he has caused.”