Sex attacker struck twice within a fortnight in town

23-YEAR-OLD DENIED OFFENCES

A MAN sexually assaulted two women, carrying out the second attack while on bail after the first.

Krystian Surmaj, 23, of Melton, was charged with sexual assault following an incident in Welby Lane in the town on New Year’s Day.

Just over two weeks later, while under investigation, he carried out a second attack.

Police have released details of the case following his conviction.

In January, officers received the first report that a woman had been walking along Welby Lane during the late afternoon. The woman had passed Surmaj, who was standing in a street, and then felt her hood being pulled back, the force said.

She turned around to see the man, who then sexually assaulted her.

The victim started to scream and kicked the defendant, who then ran away.

After reporting the incident to police, inquiries were carried out and Surmaj, of Drummond Walk, was arrested and charged with the offence on January 10.

Less than a week after being charged, Surmaj attacked a second victim.

On January 16, officers received a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted during an evening walk in Elmhurst Avenue, Melton.

The second victim had noted his presence and believed she was being followed.

Moments later, the defendant grabbed her and sexually assaulted her.

The force said the victim began to scream and struggle, which led to the defendant running away.

Surmaj was identified as being responsible for the second attack after CCTV was checked and forensic inquiries carried out.

He was charged on January 21, but denied both offences.

Following a trial, Surmaj was found guilty of both at Leicester Crown Court. He was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on Thursday, October 28.

Detective Constable Natalie Atchison said: “Surmaj carried out these attacks within weeks of each other.

“Thanks to the bravery of the victims who reported the incidents to us and fully co-operated with us, we were able to carry out extensive inquiries to find the person responsible and to bring him before the courts.

“We encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to speak with someone you can trust and to report it to us.

“We will investigate and we will ensure advice and support is made available to you.”

BUT FOUND GUILTY IN COURT