9.11.12

An 18-year-old Leeds man is to be tried in court following an attack on a 19-year-old female in Headingley.

The police has told Leeds Student that the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is a student.

Jacob Feldman of Shadwell, has been charged with attempted rape and appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court on Saturday November 3. The incident occurred on Ash Crescent at about 5.30am last Thursday.

Feldman will stand trial at Leeds Crown Court on the 13th November.

Leeds University Union’s (LUU) Welfare Officer Katie Siddall told Leeds Student “We take any sort of attack or a feeling of vulnerability amongst students very seriously and hope to support them as much as we can. We are also currently setting up a Victim Support Group so watch this space for more information on that.”

Speaking to this paper, Katie Russell, who works for Support After Rape & Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL), offered advice on how to keep safe when going out:

“You should always let someone know where you’re going and who with, watching what you drink, looking out for friends and using pre-booked registered taxis as opposed to picking cabs up off the street or walking home alone.”

SARSVL is a charity run for women by women and girls whose lives have been affected by sexual violence. Their helpline number is 0113 202 1844.

Words: James Greenhalgh