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Former Conservative mayor Aigars Balsevics of Wisbech jailed for rape
A former Conservative mayor of Wisbech was jailed for six and a half years after being convicted of raping a woman at her home in the town.
Former Wisbech mayor Aigars Balsevics arrives at court to be sentenced to 6.5 years for two counts of rape. Crown Court, Peterborough
Friday 11 August 2023.
Picture by Terry Harris
The sentence was handed down today at Peterborough Crown Court.
Aigars Balsevics, jailed today for six and a half years.
Prior to sentencing Wisbech publican Aigars Balsevics the judge heard a victim impact statement.
The victim explained how she now ‘hates herself’, has an eating disorder, suicidal thoughts and now dislikes being around people. She also said she had a fear of being in her own home because of the rape that happened there.
Former Wisbech mayor Aigars Balsevics arrives at court to be sentenced to 6.5 years for two counts of rape. Crown Court, Peterborough
Friday 11 August 2023.
Picture by Terry Harris
The only reason the incident stopped was because both her and Balsevics could hear her child’s noises from downstairs, she said.
The judge said Balsevics was of good character with no previous convictions.
BACKGROUND
Aigars Balsevics, 42, went to the woman’s home on 24 May 2021.
While there he raped the victim, despite her crying and repeatedly telling him no.
When she tried to get away Balsevics stopped her from leaving the room and raped her again.
After the attack, the distressed victim contacted two friends who arrived at the property and Balsevics left.
Former Wisbech mayor Aigars Balsevics arrives at court to be sentenced to 6.5 years for two counts of rape. Crown Court, Peterborough
Friday 11 August 2023.
Picture by Terry Harris
The woman reported what happened to police and Balsevics was arrested in the early hours of the following day (25 May).
Balsevics, of Burcroft Road, Wisbech, denied two charges of rape and went on trial at Peterborough Crown Court.
On July 31 he was found guilty on both counts.
Sentence was adjourned until today.
DC Katie Housham said: “I would like to commend the victim for her bravery throughout and I hope this conviction and subsequent jail sentence will help her as she tries to rebuild her life.
“Balsevics ignored her repeated pleas for him to stop and even refused to let her leave when she tried to get away. I’m pleased he has now faced justice for his actions.
Former Wisbech mayor Aigars Balsevics arrives at court to be sentenced to 6.5 years for two counts of rape. Crown Court, Peterborough
Friday 11 August 2023.
Picture by Terry Harris
“I would like to encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to report it to the police. Your report will be taken very seriously, and we will always treat you with the utmost sensitivity and respect.”
Survivors of sexual violence can have confidence the police and other partner agencies will support them throughout the investigation and criminal justice process.
