Man found guilty of raping woman in 'terrifying' Hyde Park, Leeds attack
The incident was the subject of a public appeal at the time
A man has been convicted of the “terrifying” rape of a woman in the Hyde Park area of Leeds earlier this year.
Uvesh Vahora, aged 36, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of one count of rape following a trial at Leeds Crown Court.
He has been remanded in custody to be sentenced on Wednesday, November 11.
The incident on Autumn Avenue on the night of April 9 was the subject of a public appeal at the time.
Detective Inspector Tom Crosfill said: “Vahora has subjected the victim to a terrifying experience with her being in genuine fear for her life thinking that he was going to kill her.
“After disclosing the offence to friends, she contacted police with officers arresting Vahora within around five hours of this offence taking place. He has been held on remand since that time.
“In the meantime, those working on this investigation have gathered the evidence including victim and witness statements, CCTV and digital lines of enquiry that has led to Vahora’s conviction.”
The victim was walking to a nearby shop when she was approached by a man on Autumn Avenue who proceeded to rape her.
She was able to identify where the offence took place and Vahora, who was living there at the time, was arrested.
Leeds Crown Court court told Vahora, whose self-defined ethnicity is Asian Indian, was in the country as a student.
“I understand how incredibly difficult it can be to report rape and other sexual offences and I really hope that this conviction demonstrates how seriously an offence of this nature is treated from the outset,” Di Crosfill added.
“Our message to victims is that you will be listened to, you will be supported and we will do everything possible to bring perpetrators before the courts.”