Predator Jailed for 13 Years After Canal Bridge Sexual Assault in Leicester
A sexual predator who lay in wait under a canal bridge to attack a helpless woman has been sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison. Warren Laight targeted his victim, a woman in her 20s, during an evening walk along a towpath in Leicester on June 11 last year.
Calculated Attack Under Bridge
Laight overtook the woman, chosen at random, and stopped under a bridge, knowing she would have to pass him. When the victim attempted to walk past, he grabbed and sexually assaulted her. The terrified woman struggled to break free and managed to shout, attracting attention that spooked Laight and forced him to flee.
Her bravery was crucial, as she provided a detailed description to officers, which helped identify Laight through CCTV trawls. This evidence proved vital in the investigation.
False Alibi Unravels
Laight lied to detectives, claiming he was staying with a family member out of the area at the time of the attack. However, his bogus story fell apart when the investigation revealed his phone was not at that address but was instead at the scene of the incident.
In December at Leicester Crown Court, Laight pleaded guilty to one count of attempted rape and one count of assault by penetration. He was formally jailed on Friday, April 17.
Victim's Heartbreaking Impact Statement
In her victim personal statement, the woman described the profound impact of the assault: “The impact has gone far beyond the immediate incident. It has changed my identity, and it has changed how I see myself. I feel disconnected from who I used to be, I no longer find joy in the things that once defined me and feel I will never be able to do those things again.”
She added, “He has taken my life away from me the way in which I knew it. He has handed me a life sentence and now I am left to serve it.”
Police Praise Victim's Courage
Detective Constable Josh Evans, the officer in the case at Leicestershire Police, commented on the predatory nature of the crime: “This is a deeply concerning case given the victim appeared to be chosen at random by Laight, who displayed predatory behaviour. She has told me how much the incident has impacted her day-to-day life and the way it’s changed her as a person. She’s afraid to go out alone and feels vulnerable when out in public.”
He praised her presence of mind: “However, the fact that despite what’d just happened she was able to provide a description of him that allowed officers to identify him on CCTV and arrest him is a testament to her courage. Despite initially denying he had any involvement – and a family member providing a false statement on his behalf – this evidence was key in leaving him with no alternative but to admit what he’d done.”
DC Evans concluded, “Hopefully today’s outcome provides the victim with a degree of closure and relief that Laight is back behind bars.”
