Victims praised for work in helping to snare sex offender

A 25-year-old man has been jailed for a number of sexual offences after his victims followed and photographed him.

In the early hours of Sunday 7 August this year, Lukas Masaulis approached two women in Leicester city centre and sexually assaulted both.

But despite a risk to their personal safety, they both decided to follow and photograph him while phoning the police to report what had happened. Both women were then sexually assaulted again, before Masaulis exposed himself to them.

Following the immediate report to police, Masaulis was identified on CCTV and officers were dispatched. Upon locating him, two officers were spat at and Masaulis also tried to punch one but did not make contact.

At a hearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on 8 August, Masaulis – of no fixed abode – pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and one count of indecent exposure.

Last Friday (23 September), at Leicester Crown Court, he was jailed for 16 months.

Detective Superintendent Chris Baker, the force’s lead for tackling violence against women and girls, said: “In interview, Masaulis openly admitted he considered himself a danger to women.

“This was a shocking violation of two women who were enjoying a night out in the city, committed by a man who showed them no respect or remorse. His actions were reprehensible.

“It’s a testament to their courage that they pursued him and took photos which have helped secure his conviction.

“Swift teamwork between our officers and CCTV operators on that night – and the subsequent investigation – have ensured he is no longer free to commit further offences.”

• If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape, sexual assault or another sexual assault, you can report it online: https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/
• Further information regarding rape and sexual assault – including support available – can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/