Man found guilty of attempted murder and two counts of rape in Leicester

A man has been found guilty of attempted murder and two counts of rape in Leicester.

Arturas Ardavicius (26) of Bonchurch Street, off Fosse Road North, in the city, was convicted at Leicester Crown Court today after a nine-day trial.

During the trial, the jury heard that at about 3.30am on Saturday, July 7, last year, a woman in her 30s was sexually assaulted in a car in Richard III Road, close to St Nicholas Circle.

The victim did not know her attacker but had spent time with him just prior to the incident.

The victim managed to get out of the car and alert a member of the public.

A red hatchback was seen in the area and officers released CCTV images of the vehicle along with an appeal for witnesses.

Speaking after today's verdict, the victim said: “I’m really pleased with the result of the trial.

"I hope he receives a lengthy custodial sentence so he can’t do this to anybody else because he’s a dangerous man.”

Detective Constable Nikki McLatchie, the investigating officer, said: “This is a good result and should send a positive message to other victims of sexual assault.

“Leicestershire Police takes all allegations of sexual assault seriously and we always investigate them thoroughly.

“This was a horrific assault and a very difficult and complex investigation and the victim showed commendable bravery."

Ardavicius, a Lithuanian national, is due to be sentenced on Friday, March 15, at Leicester Crown Court.