Man Jailed After Sexually Assaulting Teenager In Carlisle Underpass
A 23-year-old man has been jailed for nine months after sexually assaulting a teenage girl in a Carlisle underpass.
Balazs Boros, who has no fixed address, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court after being convicted of sexually assaulting the teenager. The court heard that the offence happened at the Hardwicke Circus underpass in Carlisle on September 1. Boros chased the girl through the underpass before sexually assaulting her over her clothing. The victim was able to escape from the area and run away from her attacker following the incident.
The case was investigated by officers from Cumberland CID, who worked to establish what had happened and gather the evidence required for the prosecution. Police said the investigation also involved ensuring that the victim received appropriate support throughout the process. The successful conclusion of the case has now resulted in a custodial sentence being imposed by the court.
Boros was sentenced to nine months in prison at Carlisle Crown Court on October 2. The sentence follows the incident at the Hardwicke Circus underpass, where the teenager was chased before the assault took place. The location is an established pedestrian route through the city, and the incident resulted in an investigation by police after the victim reported what had happened.
Detective Constable Sophie Harkness, of Cumberland CID, described the offence as serious and deeply distressing. She also recognised the courage shown by the victim in reporting the incident and supporting the investigation. Police said that reporting a sexual offence can be difficult, but stressed that victims and survivors can receive support while an investigation is taking place.
Officers said their priority was to investigate the circumstances thoroughly and secure the evidence needed to bring the offender before the courts. The investigation also focused on making sure the victim was supported during the process. Specialist partners can work alongside police in sexual offence cases to provide appropriate care, advice and assistance to people affected by such incidents.
The victim was able to escape after the assault and run away from Boros. Police have highlighted this part of the incident while encouraging people affected by sexual offences to seek help. The case demonstrates the importance of reporting offences so that information can be investigated and, where sufficient evidence is obtained, presented through the criminal justice system.
The incident took place at the Hardwicke Circus underpass on September 1. Details released following the sentencing state that Boros chased the teenage girl through the underpass before assaulting her over her clothing. The victim then managed to get away from him. Police subsequently investigated the report, leading to the prosecution and the prison sentence handed down by Carlisle Crown Court.
Detective Constable Harkness said victims and survivors do not have to deal with the consequences of sexual offences alone. She encouraged anyone affected by such an offence to come forward and speak with police when they are ready. Officers can provide information about the reporting process and work with specialist organisations to help ensure victims receive appropriate support.
Police also emphasised that people who have experienced a sexual offence can seek specialist support even if they are not yet ready to contact officers directly. This can provide an alternative route to advice and assistance while someone considers whether they wish to make a formal report. Specialist organisations can help victims understand the options available and provide support following an incident.
The Bridgeway is among the organisations available to people affected by sexual offences, with a 24-hour support helpline operating for those seeking assistance. The helpline number is 0330 223 0099. Support is available to people who may need advice about what has happened or who want to discuss their options before deciding whether to report an incident directly to police.
Cumbria Police also encourages anyone who has experienced a sexual offence to report it through its online reporting service or by calling 101. The force advises people to call 999 when an incident is an emergency or when immediate police assistance is required. These reporting routes allow officers to assess information and determine the appropriate response to an allegation.
The sentencing brings the criminal proceedings arising from the reported assault to a conclusion, with Boros receiving a nine-month prison sentence. Police have used the case to reinforce their message that victims should be supported when they report sexual offences. Officers said they work with specialist partners to ensure that people who come forward can receive care, advice and support throughout the process.
The case also highlights the role of the criminal justice process in dealing with reported sexual offences. Following the incident, police investigated the circumstances, gathered evidence and progressed the case to court. The subsequent sentence was imposed at Carlisle Crown Court after Boros was convicted of the offence, providing a formal outcome following the investigation into what happened at the Carlisle underpass.
Police continue to encourage anyone who has experienced a sexual offence to seek support, whether through the force or a specialist organisation. People do not have to remain without assistance while deciding what steps to take, and emergency situations should always be reported by calling 999. The Bridgeway and other specialist services can also provide confidential support and guidance to those affected.
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