CHARGED: CCTV images of Zdenko Turtak were released following the attack in Beeston earlier this year
CHARGED: CCTV images of Zdenko Turtak were released following the attack in Beeston earlier this year

A 21-year-old European, who was extradited back to the UK by officers from West Yorkshire Police earlier this year, has admitted to the brutal rape and assault on a teenager in Leeds.

Zdenko Turtak, from Kosice, Slovakia, appeared in front of Leeds Crown Court on Friday 25th September, where he pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and rape.

To the charge of attempted murder he pleaded not guilty.

Following the assault on the 18-year-old in Beeston on 6th March this year, a huge police operation was put into place to trace Turtak.

The victim had been attacked as she waited at a bus stop in Beeston Road, near to the junction with Tempest Road.

She was dragged into a nearby garden where she was struck over the head numerous times with a large stone before being seriously sexually assaulted.

Unidentified at the time, only CCTV images and a police e-fit were available of Turtak as officers appealed for information as to the identity of the assailant.

A reconstruction of the crime was featured on BBC’s Crimewatch and he was eventually traced to Slovakia.

FLED: The search for Turtak eventually finished in Slovakia where he was traced and extradited back to the UK
FLED: The search for Turtak eventually finished in Slovakia where he was traced and extradited back to the UK

He was arrested by Slovakian authorities and extradited to the UK in July with help from the National Crime Agency and the West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.

Speaking previously, Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, explained: “Once the warrant was granted, we liaised with the Slovakian police through the National Crime Agency to secure the arrest of this man.