Lorry driver denies attempted rape on Leicestershire lane

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 20:02 · Archive

A 60-year-old lorry driver is on trial for allegedly attacking a woman near motorway services.

Tadeusz Podlasinski, 60, a Polish national, appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Monday for the first day of his trial. He is accused of attacking a woman on Baines Lane near Leicester Forest East services, close to the M1, on 25 April at about 6.30pm. He denies attempted rape, attempted assault by penetration and intentional strangulation.

Prosecutor Michael Brady KC told the jury the woman was walking from the services when Podlasinski, who had been in his lorry in the car park, followed her. Mr Brady said Podlasinski approached her, grabbed her and attempted to push her into nearby bushes. When the woman refused his demands that she remove her clothes, she began screaming for help. Mr Brady told the jury that Podlasinski then grabbed her around the neck with sufficient force to restrict her breathing and cause visible bruising, and threatened to kill her if she continued to scream.

The woman fought back, pushing the defendant away and continuing to resist until he gave up and walked back towards the service station. She called a colleague who picked her up, and police were contacted. Podlasinski was arrested three days later at the service station on 28 April.

How it is being reported

• Man tried to rape woman near M1 services, jury toldA court hears Tadeusz Podlasinski approached the woman on a country lane on 25 April.BBC Leicester · 12 Oct, 19:39
• Lorry driver tried to rape woman as she walked down street in broad daylight, jury toldShe managed to fight off Tadeusz Podlasinski, who now denies attempted rape and intentional strangulationLeicestershire Live · 12 Oct, 16:28

In this story: Tadeusz Podlasinski · Leicester Crown Court · Leicester Forest East services · Baines Lane · Michael Brady KC

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