ARTUS KOZLOVSKI SHOCKS OPENSHW IN HORRIFIC CHILD ASSAULT CASE

In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community of Openshaw, a young girl’s sense of safety was shattered by a brutal assault carried out by Artus Kozlovski. The 23-year-old factory worker, who resides on Connie Street in Openshaw, was convicted of a heinous crime involving a 10-year-old girl in February of this year.

According to court proceedings, Kozlovski targeted the young victim while she was simply walking home along the canal near Clayton Lane. The court heard that he forcibly dragged her into an area of wasteland close to Kincraig Close, a secluded spot that provided cover for his malicious intent. To prevent her from calling for help, Kozlovski covered her mouth, effectively silencing her cries as he proceeded to sexually assault her.

The court was informed that Kozlovski’s actions were carried out under the influence of Spice, a synthetic drug known for its unpredictable and dangerous effects. At the time of the attack, he was high on drugs and claimed to have no memory of the assault, expressing remorse only after the fact. Kozlovski stated that he bitterly regretted what he had done and claimed that the incident had opened his eyes to the dangers of drug use, which he previously regarded as harmless escapism.

Despite his remorse, the court emphasized the severity of his actions and the profound impact on the young girl. The victim managed to escape when Kozlovski, who was seen on CCTV chasing her, began to roll a cigarette, providing her with an opportunity to flee. She was later found by a dog walker who promptly contacted the police. Kozlovski was quickly identified from CCTV footage, which showed him wearing a distinctive hooded top adorned with a rose emblem. Within hours of the image being released to the public, authorities apprehended him at a nearby corner shop.

During sentencing at Manchester Crown Court, Justice William Davis described Kozlovski’s conduct as “the nightmare of every parent,” highlighting the gravity of his crime. He pointed out that Kozlovski, who had a stable background with a family and a job, had no apparent reason to behave in such a grave manner, aside from his drug influence. The judge sentenced Kozlovski to five years in prison for sexual assault on a female under 13, a conviction that reflects the seriousness of his offense.

Furthermore, the court indicated that Kozlovski is most likely to be deported after serving his custodial sentence, given his Latvian nationality. The case has left the community of Openshaw deeply shaken, raising ongoing concerns about safety and the impact of drug abuse on individuals and society as a whole.