Man jailed for raping woman at knifepoint and threatening to kill her

Lukasz Janczura, 36, from Birkby, Huddersfield, attacked the woman in a house in Huddersfield on June 18 2020.

The woman was threatened with a knife and then sexually assaulted.

Janczura told the woman he would kill her if she reported him to the police.

He was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and possession of knife at Leeds Crown Court in December 2020.

He was sentenced on Tuesday, January 19.

He was sentenced to 11 years for rape, 10 years for sexual assault, 16 months for making threats to kill and 16 months for possession of a bladed article.

The sentences were set to run concurrently with a year deducted for previous good character, resulting in an 11 year jail sentence.

The 36-year-old will also be placed on the sex offenders register.

The Kirklees District Adult Safeguarding Unit said the victim was put through a ‘horrific ordeal’ and has praised her courage, dignity and strength in helping ensure his conviction at court.

DC Nicola Thomson said: “This was a dreadful case in which Janczura threatened his victim with a knife and then seriously sexually assaulted her inside a domestic address.

“He threatened to kill her if she reported his crimes and left her in genuine fear for her life and safety.

“He is clearly a dangerous individual and we welcome the custodial sentence the court imposed."

She added: “I also wish to praise the courage of the victim who was put through a horrific ordeal and then stood in court to give evidence against this man. Throughout everything she remained calm and dignified and has done everything possible to assist both the police and CPS in seeking justice for her.

“We do all we can to seek justice for victims and can assure them that, as a victim focussed organisation, we will always put their needs at the heart of everything we do.”