A man who attempted to rape a woman in Peterborough has been given a hospital order by the court under the Mental Health Act.

On September 11, 2023, a 33-year-old Maris Sliksans targeted a woman walking to work near the Welland Skate Park at about 9:15pm.

He threw is arms around her from behind and as she turned, she realised that he was holding a knife to her neck. He led her to some bushes at knifepoint and demanded that she have sex with him.

The victim tried to reason with him, but Sliksans wrestled her to the floor, snatched her phone from her hand and tried to rape her.

She screamed and kicked him in the groin, but Sliksans punched her in the face and head several times before running off.

The traumatised woman grabbed as many of her belongings as she could before fleeing the scene, where officers later found the knife, with Sliksans' DNA, that he had used on the victim.

Sliksans later admitted to attempted rape, actual bodily harm (ABH), and threatening a person with a blade at a previous hearing in August 2024.

On Friday, October 18, at Cambridge Crown Court, Sliksans, of Hallaton Road, Peterborough, was given a hospital order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act.

An extra section 41 order was imposed, which means he will be held on a hospital psychiatric ward indefinitely unless discharged the Ministry of Justice. 

Detective Sergeant Kellymarie Harman, who investigated, said: "This was an incredibly terrifying incident for the survivor of this case, which will no doubt have a lasting impact on her.

"I would like to commend the survivor for her strength and the bravery she has shown in supporting this investigation.

"Sliksans is a danger to women, and I am pleased he is off our streets."

The survivor of the case, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: "You never truly know what one feels when you go through it yourself.

"Ladies, we are survivors, and we need to rise strong. Tell the world the truth and never doubt yourself, be the voice for many voiceless women."