A man has been jailed for nine years after admitting to raping a vulnerable woman within the grounds of Chelmsford Cathedral. 

Jaroslaw Wrzesinski, of Kings Road, Chelmsford, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court today - Friday, September 8.
Wrzesinski, 41, a cleaner, will be a registered sex offender for life. 

At around 6.40am on Sunday, April 2, Wrzesinski had just left work when he noticed the victim, followed her and raped her before leaving the scene. 

A passer-by found the victim, aged in her 20s, in a distressed state and contacted police. Extensive enquiries led to the early arrest of Wrzesinski the following morning, and resulted in Wrzesinski being charged and remanded in custody.

The victim, a vulnerable woman who had become separated from friends following a night out in town, has been supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation. 

Wrzesinski pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, August 4. 

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Nikki Simpson said: “Wrzensinski preyed on and attacked a lone female when she was at her most vulnerable in a well-used public area of Chelmsford city centre in broad daylight. 

“The victim has shown huge strength and bravery throughout this investigation and will continue to be supported by specialist officers. 

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this case – particularly the Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team, Chelmsford City Council CCTV operators who assisted in the prompt identification and arrest of Wrzensinski and kind members of the public who went to the aid of the victim following the incident. 

“Through effective work with partners and with the invaluable support of members of the community we serve, Wrzensinski, a predatory sex offender, has been taken off our streets and now has a long time behind bars to think about his actions.”