'Sexual predator' jailed for raping two women

A "lying, vicious coward" who approached two women and hit them in the face before raping them has been jailed.

Slawomir Klimek left one victim drifting in and out of consciousness as he continued to assault and rape her, said Lancashire Police. He held the other woman by the throat while raping her.

Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, the 33-year-old was found guilty of two counts of rape and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was sentenced on Friday to 22 years in prison for the attacks, which happened in Blackburn in November and December 2024.

Klimek approached the first woman, who was in her 30s, on Throstle Street on 29 November, police said.

He gripped hold of her coat and hit her in the face before grabbing her throat and raping her. As he left the scene, he threatened her.

Two weeks later, Klimek approached a second woman before hitting her in the face and then raping her.

Police said the woman, who "screamed for help and attempted to fight back", slipped "in and out of consciousness as he continued to assault and rape her".

Klimek, of Ingleby Close, Blackburn, was arrested and charged.

Det Con Hannah Tofalos described him as "dangerous" and "abhorrent".

She said: "The judge described Klimek as a 'lying, vicious coward' in his sentencing remarks, and I can only echo that sentiment.

"Klimek carried out a sustained and brutal attack on one of his victims, before casually walking away from the scene.

"He is a sexual predator who chose to attack his victims in the horrific way he did."

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