Beeston rape: Slovakian admits brutal attack of woman in Leeds

A MAN has admitted raping and violently attacking an 18-year-old woman in Leeds
A police CCTV image of the suspect, issued during the inquiryA police CCTV image of the suspect, issued during the inquiry
A police CCTV image of the suspect, issued during the inquiry

Zdenko Turtak, 21, from Velka Ida, Kosice, Slovakia, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and rape when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court this morning.

Turtak pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted murder.

Prosecutor Simon Waley asked for the case to be adjourned to allow time for the Crime Prosecution Service to consider Turtak’s pleas.

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A decision is expected to be made next week as to whether Turtak will face a trial on the attempted murder charge.

Turtak appeared in court via a video link from Wakefield Prison. He appeared on screen wearing a grey sweatshirt and wore Rosary beads around his neck.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier, QC, adjourned the case and told Turtak he would next appear before the court on October 8 if a trial is to be held so arrangements for the hearing can be made.

If the CPS decide to accept Turtak’s pleas he will next appear before the court on October 19 when he will be sentenced.

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The victim was waiting at a bus stop when she was attacked on March 6 this year.

Hundreds of officers were involved in the subsequent investigation which included the collection of saliva samples from hundreds of men in the Beeston area.

There was also a reconstruction of the incident screened on BBC One’s Crimewatch programme.

Turtak was extradited back to the UK by officers from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.