Man jailed for Easter sex attack in Telford

Witold Marek Pudlo approached his victim, a woman in her 20s, from behind as she walked home from her boyfriend's house in Wellington, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told yesterday.

He then grabbed her around the throat before pushing her to the floor in some bushes where he sexually assaulted her.

Pudlo, 31, was sentenced to three years in custody, will be ordered to sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely, and will be deported to Poland upon the completion of his term in jail following the attack at about 4pm on Good Friday.

The victim said Pudlo had stopped the attack off Whitchurch Road when he was disturbed by members of the public.

She said: "At that point there were two people walking by. They were in the distance but you could see two figures already. I spotted them, not sure if I was first to spot them but not long after I noticed him stopping."

Pudlo, of Riven Road, in Hadley, Telford, had not denied attacking the woman but claimed there was no sexual motive. He was convicted of sexual assault but cleared of attempted rape.

Detective Constable Stuart Ridgewell, of West Mercia Police, was involved in the operation to arrest Pudlo and said the prosecution was evidence of the force's commitment to tackling sex offenders.

The detective also praised the victim's bravery in coming forward and reporting the offence.

He said: "This assault would have been very traumatic for the victim and we commend her for coming forward and reporting this to us so we could bring Pudlo to justice.

"We would also like to reassure the community that the force does everything it can to support victims and find the culprit."

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) provides free independent and confidential specialist support for survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence or abuse – either recent or historical. The centre can be contacted on (01905) 611655 or at office@wmrsasc.org.uk