ELEK HORVATH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN HANLEY
| Red Rose Database
Hanley Rapist
Elek Horvath, who resides on Aylesbury Road in Bentilee, has been found guilty of a serious sexual assault that took place in the early hours of January 16 in Hanley. The incident unfolded on Hope Street, where Horvath took advantage of a heavily intoxicated woman outside a nightclub. Court reports detail that Horvath subjected the woman to a sexual act in an alcove, taking advantage of her severely impaired state after she had consumed a significant amount of alcohol. Witnesses and staff described the woman as being at a level 10 on a drunkenness scale, completely unresponsive, with her bodily functions out of control, and in a distressing condition. CCTV footage played a crucial role in the case, showing Horvath noticing the woman in the alcove, then turning back to interact with her. The footage depicts him prodding her to stay awake and engaging with her in a manner that suggested he was aware of her vulnerable state. Despite Horvath's claims that the act was consensual, the jury rejected his account, finding him guilty of the assault.
Judge Paul Glenn sentenced Horvath to eight years in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. Additionally, Horvath was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the court's stance on the severity of the crime. The court was informed that Horvath's behavior appeared premeditated, as he had been wandering around Hanley for hours prior to the assault, seemingly targeting the vulnerable woman.
Victim impact statements revealed the profound emotional toll the assault had taken on her, including ongoing insomnia, a loss of trust in others, and social withdrawal. The defense, represented by Horvath's solicitor, argued that there was little mitigation for his actions, though they highlighted his family as undeserving of the hardship caused by his conduct.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Glenn underscored the victim's vulnerability and the seriousness of the assault, calling for a 'significant sentence' to reflect the gravity of the crime. Detective Sergeant Dawn Moody praised the victim's bravery in coming forward and commended the swift arrest of Horvath. As part of his sentence, Horvath is also barred from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults, underscoring the court's commitment to public safety.
Judge Paul Glenn sentenced Horvath to eight years in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. Additionally, Horvath was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the court's stance on the severity of the crime. The court was informed that Horvath's behavior appeared premeditated, as he had been wandering around Hanley for hours prior to the assault, seemingly targeting the vulnerable woman.
Victim impact statements revealed the profound emotional toll the assault had taken on her, including ongoing insomnia, a loss of trust in others, and social withdrawal. The defense, represented by Horvath's solicitor, argued that there was little mitigation for his actions, though they highlighted his family as undeserving of the hardship caused by his conduct.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Glenn underscored the victim's vulnerability and the seriousness of the assault, calling for a 'significant sentence' to reflect the gravity of the crime. Detective Sergeant Dawn Moody praised the victim's bravery in coming forward and commended the swift arrest of Horvath. As part of his sentence, Horvath is also barred from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults, underscoring the court's commitment to public safety.