Man jailed for nine years for rape and attempted rape in Congleton
Lee Reszka attacked the victim after turning up at her home under false pretences
A man has been jailed for raping and attempting to rape a woman in Congleton.
Lee Reszka, of Longridge in Knutsford, was found guilty of rape and attempted rape on Friday 3rd July, following a five-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
The 35-year-old appeared back at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 17th September, where he was sentenced to nine years in prison.
Police said that in November 2023, Reszka had gone to the victim's address on the pretence that he was looking for a mutual acquaintance, despite knowing they were not there.
While at the address, the victim allowed him to use the toilet.
Instead of leaving afterwards, he approached her and attempted to rape her.
The victim managed to get away from him, but he then orally raped her before leaving the address, police said.
She later told friends what had happened, and it was reported to police.
A piece of clothing worn by the victim was forensically tested, and DNA found on it provided a match to Reszka, according to Cheshire Police.
The victim also had injuries consistent with the offences.
DC Neilson-Bird said Reszka "made the conscious decision that day to attack the victim, knowing that she was alone".
"He used force to get what he wanted, ignoring her attempts to fight him off," DC Neilson-Bird said.
"Throughout the investigation Reszka maintained his lies and tried to mislead the police, changing his account as more evidence emerged," DC Neilson-Bird said.
"He continued to try and portray the victim as a liar who had fabricated the incident, putting her through the stress of a trial. But the jury has seen him for what he is and convicted him of his crimes," DC Neilson-Bird said.
"We would like to highlight the courage of the victim in this case for speaking about what happened to her, and we hope that Reszka's conviction will help to bring her some closure," DC Neilson-Bird said.
Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence can contact Cheshire Police on 101, or report it through the Cheshire Police website, DC Neilson-Bird said.