Sagar Gurung

In November 2022, a violent sexual assault occurred in Reading, Berkshire, when a woman walking home alone to her student accommodation in the early hours was followed and attacked by Sagar Gurung. The incident took place on West Street and Queens Walk, where Gurung, a man in his 20s at the time, removed his belt before launching the assault, which included attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration. The attack was captured on CCTV footage, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.

The assault was interrupted by a security guard, preventing further harm, but the victim suffered significant emotional trauma. In a victim impact statement read out in court, she described the profound effects: 'This incident had the greatest impact on my heart than I’ve ever felt. I think I went into shock after it happened. I cried every day, several times a day until I fell asleep. I still had to continue with my routine, but I could not concentrate in my studies - I had to postpone my exams.' Thames Valley Police acted swiftly, using CCTV analysis, connections with local venues, phone tracking, and financial records to identify Gurung as the perpetrator. Just three days after the attack, officers found him packing with a one-way ticket to Hong Kong, indicating an attempt to flee the country.

Gurung, of Salisbury Road, Reading, was arrested and charged. He pleaded guilty to one count of kidnap but denied the sexual offences initially. On 10 May 2023, a jury at Reading Crown Court found him guilty of attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration. The case gained further public attention when it was featured on BBC One's Crimewatch Live in Series 22, Episode 9 titled 'Vanished', which aired on 16 October 2023 at 10:45am. During the episode, Detective Chief Inspector Laura Corscadden recounted her reaction to the footage: 'I stopped in my tracks when I first heard about what the footage showed.' Detective Inspector James Jackson also explained the investigative techniques employed by Thames Valley Police.

On 8 August 2023, Sagar Gurung, then aged 27, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for the attempted rape, with an additional extended licence period of four years to manage post-release risks. The sentencing underscored the severity of the offences and the court's commitment to protecting the public from such predators. The victim later shared a positive update via Thames Valley Police's social media, stating: 'This has taken me a long time to get over, but today I can honestly say that I have become a girl who can live a normal life, smile and laugh.' This case, reported by the Reading Chronicle, highlights the effective use of technology and police determination in securing justice for sexual violence victims in the community.