"You never truly know what one feels when you go through it yourself." Peterborough attempted rape survivor speaks out - as attacker detained under mental health act

A man who tried to rape a woman at knife point near a city skate park has been given a hospital order.

Maris Sliksans, 33, of Hallaton Road, Peterborough, targeted the woman as she walked near to the Welland Skate Park in on an autumn evening last year.

Now he has been detained in hospital indefinitely after he admitted a number of offences at Cambridge Crown Court.

Speaking after the hearing, 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."

The court heard how Sliksans threw his arms around her from behind, and as she turned, she realised he was holding knife to her neck.

He led her to some bushes at knifepoint and demanded she had sex with him.

Despite trying to reason with him, Sliksans wrestled her to the floor, snatched her phone from her hand and tried to rape her.

She screamed and managed to fight Sliksans off by kicking him in the groin.

But he 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 which was matched to Sliksans’ DNA.

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

On Friday, 18 October at Cambridge Crown Court, Sliksans 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 victim 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.”