'Inspiring' woman helped jail 'dangerous' rapist

A woman whose testimony helped to put her rapist behind bars has been praised as "inspiring" by police.

She was attacked by Nitesh Nitesh in Assembly Rooms Lane, in central Bristol, shortly after 03:00 GMT on 29 March.

Nitesh, who police described as a "dangerous sexual predator", pleaded guilty to rape and was jailed for six years at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.

The woman, who is in her 30s, told the court the attack had left her feeling suicidal, while police said the physical, emotional and mental impact on her was "impossible to adequately explain".

Passers-by helped the woman shortly after the incident, and members of the public later helped to identify Nitesh, 20 and formerly of Redland, after a police appeal.

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised police to charge two other men with rape in relation to the same incident. However, police said the men were no longer in the UK and work was ongoing to locate them.

In a statement prepared for the court, the woman said: "Although I am starting to do very well, I do not want to think about it as it sends me back to that place.

"What kept me engaged with the investigation is also the thought that this could've happened to someone else, someone more vulnerable, or a young teenage girl," she said.

Paying tribute to the victim, Det Insp Simon Da Costa, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: "She has been motivated to protect others by supporting our investigation and her courageous stance is inspiring.

"I hope in time she feels immense pride at how she's played a key role in securing this sentence."

He added: "When such crimes happen they will always be taken seriously and today's sentencing outcome highlights that. Victims of sexual offences will be believed and we will help them access any support services they may need."

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