Uvesh Vahora 36

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A man has been convicted of the rape of a woman in the Hyde Park area of Leeds earlier this year.

Uvesh Vahora, aged 36, of no fixed abode, was found guilty today following a trial at Leeds Crown Court of one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody to be sentenced on 11 November.

The incident on Autumn Avenue on the night of 9 April was the subject of a public appeal at the time.

The victim was able to identify the property where the offence took place and Vahora, who was living there at the time, was arrested.

The court was told Vahora, whose self-defined ethnicity is Asian Indian, was in the country as a student.

Detective Inspector Tom Crosfill said:

“Vahora has subjected the victim to a terrifying experience with her being in genuine fear for her life thinking that he was going to kill her.

“After disclosing the offence to friends, she contacted police with officers arresting Vahora within around five hours of this offence taking place. He has been held on remand since that time.

“In the meantime, those working on this investigation have gathered the evidence including victim and witness statements, CCTV and digital lines of enquiry that has led to Vahora’s conviction.

“I understand how incredibly difficult it can be to report rape and other sexual offences and I really hope that this conviction demonstrates how seriously an offence of this nature is treated from the outset. Our message to victims is that you will be listened to, you will be supported and we will do everything possible to bring perpetrators before the courts.”