Man found guilty of raping teenager in Swindon's Old Town
He's due to be sentenced on April 14th
TRIGGER WARNING - SERIOUS SEXUAL ASSAULT
23-year-old Rooney Gardi, of Calne Road, Lyneham, was found guilty by trial at Swindon Crown Court on Monday (3rd March).
On June 30th, 2024, the 18-year-old victim was found unconscious in a car park on Dammas Lane in the Old Town during the early hours of the morning.
She was found by members of the public with no memory of the last few hours, missing her underwear and with injuries to her face and body.
Detective Constable Anna McCormack from CID said, "Gardi is a sexual predator who admitted sexual contact but denied the more serious charge.
"He took advantage of a young girl who was vulnerable.
"I want to thank the victim in this investigation, who is only 18 and who still has no memory of the incident.
"She has shown strength and courage throughout the investigation and has put her trust in the police to piece together what happened to her that night.
"I also want to thank the members of the public and the community wardens who initially attended to the victim, who, once presented with what they found, identified that she had been the victim of a sexual attack.
"Without their tenacity and quick thinking to contact the police and protect the scene, it is possible a lot of crucial evidence in this case could have been lost.
"Members of our community should be allowed to go on a night out with friends for drinks without having to fear that they are going to become the victim of such violence against them.
"But if you believe you have been the victim of sexual violence, even if you cannot remember all the details, please be reassured that we will investigate fully."
Gardi has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on April 14th.