Man followed and sexually assaulted woman after Leeds Christmas night out
He was deemed unfit to stand trial because of schizophrenia
A man who followed a woman on a Christmas night out and attacked her has been detained in a secure hospital.
Schizophrenic Awet Ykalo sexually assaulted the victim and exposed himself, with Leeds Crown Court being told that he could have faced attempted rape, but the charge was left to lie on file.
The 28-year-old was found to have assaulted the woman following a trial of fact in March - a trial in which he did not take part due to his medical condition.
The court heard that the victim had been out celebrating on December 18, 2024, and began to walk home late at night.
Ykalo saw the woman and began to follow her for “some considerable distance”.
When she reached a secluded area he pounced.
The woman fought back and was able to escape his grasp, calling her boyfriend who came running to her assistance.
Ykalo then fled.
Later arrested, Ykalo, of Recreation Place, Holbeck, was found to have schizophrenia.
During his sentencing hearing this week, a psychiatrist gave evidence to recommend he be given a hospital order to keep him detained.
Judge Simon Batiste told Ykalo, who appeared in court over a video link: “The circumstances in which the acts took place were very worrying.
“Your behaviour that night was very serious indeed.”
He gave him a Section 37 hospital order with Section 41 restrictions meaning he will be detained in a psychiatric unit rather than prison, and his eventual release can only be sanctioned by the secretary of state.