Predator Jailed for Shocking Sexual Assault in Maidstone
A 41-year-old man has been locked up for sexually assaulting a woman in Maidstone. Laszlo Mezei’s sick attack took place on 29 May 2020, leaving the victim shaken but determined to get justice.
The Shocking Incident
The victim was walking along Sutton Road heading towards Maidstone town centre when Mezei, a stranger, passed her and then followed her. As she reached the junction of Loose Road and Armstrong Road, she saw the man exposing himself.
Without warning, Mezei committed an indecent act, grabbed the woman’s shoulder, and pulled her close. Terrified, she shouted at him, forcing him to flee. In her distress, she managed to snap photos of him on her phone and called a relative for help.
Further Encounters and Arrest
As she made her way to meet her relative, the victim spotted Mezei not once, but twice more – first when he beckoned her over, and again when he was laughing at her. Police were alerted, and officers quickly searched the area. Mezei, who has no fixed address, was caught near Mote Park and charged with sexual assault and indecent exposure.
Justice Served
Mezei pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court but was convicted after a three-day trial on 22 September 2021. On Tuesday 5 October, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Detective Constable Darren Ousby, Maidstone’s Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: “Mezei is a predator who planned where to commit these offences. He showed no consideration for his victim who was extremely distressed by his actions. However, in spite of her ordeal, she showed the presence of mind to take photographs of him on her phone. This ensured we were able to bring this man to justice and I would like to commend the victim and the other witnesses for their assistance.”
