Raped a woman in a town centre.

Man Jailed for 18 Years for Town Centre Rape

Mario Sztojka, 26, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping a woman in Huddersfield town centre.

The attack took place on Lower Viaduct Street in the early hours of May 26, 2021. Sztojka was identified as a suspect shortly after the assault, and a major police operation led to his arrest in December.

Police described Sztojka as a "dangerous and predatory sex offender" who went to great lengths to evade justice.

Following a trial at Leeds Crown Court, Sztojka, of Meltham Road, Huddersfield, was found guilty of two counts of rape. He must serve at least 12 years of his sentence.

Det Ch Insp Marc Bowes of West Yorkshire Police said, "He did everything he could to evade justice for the serious sexual assault he inflicted on his victim. He was caught following persistent, methodical police work which allowed us to eventually hunt him down."

"Despite strong evidence against him, he chose to put his victim through the ordeal of a trial. This has been reflected in the sentence imposed on him."