Speaking outside Wolverhampton Crown Court earlier today, Detective Sergeant Mark Jones gave his thoughts after seeing 37-year-old Slawomir Wilczarski given an indeterminate prison sentence – to serve at least five and a half years in custody.

The sexual assault occurred on Sunday 23 January as the victim – a woman in her early 30s – walked alone during the early hours on a footpath at the rear of St Agathas Close in Dothill.

As the woman walked along the footpath, a man approached her from behind on a pedal cycle and pushed her to the floor. She was then sexually assaulted.

Speaking about the sentence handed out today, DS Jones, who is based at Malinsgate Police Station, said:

“I am very satisfied with the sentence Wilczarski has received and it reassuring to know that he will behind bars for some considerable time. I hope the sentence acts as some small consolation for the victim and her family as they now know this man will be off the streets for the foreseeable future.

“This was a particularly worrying attack as the young woman was deliberately targeted by this man and followed for some considerable distance. The offender carefully chose the moment to carry out this assault and had it not been for the intervention of two courageous members of the public – who have both been awarded £250 by the court for their brave actions – I have little doubt that the consequences for the victim could have been far more serious.

“I would once again like to pay tribute to the courage and tenacity of the victim in this case, both during the Police investigation and also the court process. She has shown great dignity throughout this harrowing experience – she was praised specifically for this by the judge – and I really hope that she will be able to start to move forward with her life now this dangerous man has been brought to justice.”

Wilczarski had previously been found guilty of the attack at a trial in August.