Sex offender attacked school girl with knife.

Alexandra Muresan, now 19, has spoken out publicly for the first time about her harrowing experience as a 15-year-old walking to school in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

While walking to school, Alexandra was attacked by Nathan Rawson, who threatened her with a knife and forced her into a woodland area. "When he came towards me, I saw the handle of his knife and I just grabbed it and started pulling," Alexandra recounted. "There was so much adrenaline – my whole body was shaking. I don't know why – it's what came to mind straight away and I just did it."

Despite the fear and adrenaline, Alexandra's quick thinking and determination paid off. "I did rugby for two years, so I managed to get it off him eventually," she said. While the knife cut her hand, Alexandra quickly took photos of Rawson before he ran away. She feared she would be "killed or raped," and immediately called an ambulance for her hand.

The images of Rawson, standing in a field, were published in an appeal by West Yorkshire Police, leading to his arrest. At Leeds Crown Court last May, Rawson pleaded guilty to kidnapping, wounding, possession of an offensive weapon, and two unrelated counts of burglary. He was sentenced to 13 years and eight months in prison. It was revealed that Rawson had a previous conviction for sexually assaulting a woman after stalking her in a similar offense in February 2016.

Alexandra shared how the experience, though initially frightening, ultimately boosted her confidence. "At first, I was a little bit scared to go out by myself, but as I grew older, it kind of boosted my confidence," she explained. Her parents, while worried, were supportive and offered therapy, but Alexandra preferred to process the experience on her own.

Recognizing her bravery, the police awarded Alexandra a bravery award, which she received at a recent ceremony. "It was a nice night – but it was nerve-wracking, because you had to go onstage and collect your award in front of everyone," Alexandra said.