A man from Luton has been sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for raping a teenage girl in 2004.
Andrzej Wojtasik, 57, of Torquay Drive, Luton, pleaded guilty to rape at a hearing in April this year, and was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday (18 June).
The victim, who was 14 at the time of the incident, was only able to report what happened to police in December 2017.
Wojtasik was sentenced to 12 years and three months in prison.
In an impact statement to the court, the victim said: “The biggest issue I have been dealing with is the guilt. I felt like I had done something bad to bring this upon myself.
“As to my mental health, I have been struggling with anxiety, depression and low self-esteem all this time.
“I am now happy that justice has been done, but I will never forget what happened to me.”
Investigating Officer Louise Shepherd, from Bedfordshire Police’s Public Protection Unit, said: “Wojtasik took advantage of this young girl in a dreadful way, which has had a profound impact on her life, and I am glad he has been given such a significant sentence.
“We know she carried this secret for many years, and it took enormous strength for her to come forward and report what he had done to her. Hopefully now, with appropriate support, she will be able to put this behind her on her journey to recovery.
“If something has happened to you, regardless of when the offence took place, we will listen, support, and do our absolute utmost to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We can guide you through the investigative process and beyond, and we work with specialist partners to find the right help and support for you.”
Victims of rape and sexual assault can receive support and guidance from Bedfordshire Police and partner agencies, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), as well as support through the criminal investigation process.
You can also contact Bedfordshire’s Sexual SARC the Emerald Centre, by visiting the Emerald Centre or by emailing, or alternatively calling 01234 842750.
Parents and carers can visit the Parents Protect website which is run by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, for resources to help identify and prevent child sexual abuse.
The NSPCC website also has a wealth of information on how to talk to your child about staying safe from sexual abuse, including the PANTS underwear rule and song:
P – Privates are private
A – Always remember your body belongs to you
N – No means no
T – Talk about secrets that upset you
S – Speak up, someone can help
To report rape, sexual assault or child sexual abuse, even non-recent, call 101.
In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
If you have been affected by crime, Signpost offers free and confidential support to victims in Bedfordshire, whether it has been reported to police or not, and irrespective of where and when the crime occurred.
Contact 0800 0282887 or visit Signpost for Bedfordshire for further information.
