Saul Rajski

A 49-year-old man from Clayton-le-Moors has been sentenced to over seven years in prison for sexually assaulting and physically abusing a woman over several months starting from December 2023. Saul Rajski, of Chequers, Clayton-le-Moors, engaged in a pattern of verbal and physical abuse that included sexual assault and battery, leaving the victim with lasting emotional trauma.

The abuse began in December 2023 and continued into late 2024. According to court proceedings at Preston Crown Court, Rajski was verbally abusive towards the woman and frequently assaulted her. On one occasion, he punched her in the head, causing a cut that led to blood running down her face. When she was bleeding, Rajski callously told her she looked 'disgusting' and to 'wash it', as detailed by prosecutor Julian Goode during the hearing earlier this month.

Further incidents included Rajski grabbing the woman's breasts to the point of causing bruising, and a specific sexual assault where he told her to 'shut up and enjoy it'. On November 24, 2024, the victim reported to police that Rajski had hit her two days prior, resulting in swelling around her eye and a black eye. Officers arrived at the scene but Rajski had fled; he was soon stopped in his vehicle and arrested on suspicion of assault. The victim disclosed additional assaults, including another instance where Rajski hit her and ordered her to 'shut up'.

Rajski was arrested again following these reports and denied causing the injuries. He pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and battery. The case was heard at Preston Crown Court, where Judge Ian Unsworth initially adjourned sentencing to consider the appropriate penalty, with a further hearing also postponed.

On August 18, 2024, Rajski appeared in the dock and was sentenced to seven years and two months' imprisonment. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and made subject to an indefinite restraining order. In her victim impact statement, the woman described the profound effects of the abuse: 'The abuse that he subjected me to is extremely difficult for me... I have lost count of the sleepless nights I have had since Saul was arrested and remanded to prison. I have been overwhelmed by all sorts of feelings – sadness, fear, disbelief, shame, guilt... I still struggle with flashbacks to this day.' She noted how the trauma had strained her relationships with friends and family, leading to arguments and isolation.

DC Claire Scott from Lancashire Police's east rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) investigation team commented on the case: 'Rajski’s behaviour was completely unacceptable, demeaning and has had a long-lasting impact on her. It is not something that will be tolerated by Lancashire Police or society as a whole.' The investigation was handled by Lancashire Police, highlighting their commitment to addressing serious sexual offences.