Slovakian man in Leeds court over rape of woman in Beeston

A MAN charged with the attempted murder and rape of a woman in Leeds has made his first appearance before a Crown Court.
By Tony Gardner
Published 24th Jul 2015, 13:46 BST
The scene on Beeston Road following the incident on March 6. Picture: Ross Parry AgencyThe scene on Beeston Road following the incident on March 6. Picture: Ross Parry Agency
The scene on Beeston Road following the incident on March 6. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

Zdenko Turtak, 21, from Velka Ida, Kosice, Slovakia, appeared before Leeds Crown Court this morning over the attack on an 18-year-old woman in Beeston on March 5.

Turtak appeared in court via a video link from Wakefield Prison. He was not represented in court by a lawyer due industrial action currently ongoing by solicitors in relation to issues over legal aid.

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No pleas were entered. Turtak is charged with attempted murder, rape and causing grievous bodily harm with intent,

The case was adjourned until September 25 when Turtak will be returned to the court for a plea and case management hearing.

The court heard a possible date for trial is November 16.

Turtak, who appeared on screen wearing a grey sweatshirt and jogging bottoms during the 15-minute hearing, answered questions put him by The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier, QC, via a Slovakian interpreter.

The judge told Turtak he would be remanded in custody until the next hearing.

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Turtak was extradited back to the UK earlier this month by officers from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.

He was flown from the Slovakian capital Bratislava, where he had been held following his arrest at his home on June 4, to Liverpool before being transported to Leeds police district headquarters, in Elland Road.