A convicted rapist who threatened his victim with a knife and forced her into sexual acts is now on the run after being accidentally released from prison. Bernadin Dedic, 48, was freed from HMP Wormwood Scrubs in February due to a court error, and he subsequently fled the United Kingdom via the Eurostar to his native Bosnia.
The Attack
Dedic, a businessman from Ealing, west London, had consumed red wine and cocaine before approaching the woman. He brandished a red-handled oriental kitchen knife, warning her that if she screamed, she "wouldn't be heard." He cut off her sports bra and top, forced her to remove the rest of her clothing, and subjected her to a series of rapes and sexual assaults over several hours. The ordeal occurred shortly after he separated from his partner.
Prosecutor Simon Sanford detailed the events: "When downstairs, she turned towards the stairs and saw him, holding a red-handled oriental kitchen knife. He stepped towards her, took hold of her and said he would kill her and then kill himself. She was extremely frightened but tried to calm him down." Dedic slapped the woman, told her to "shut up," and used the knife to cut off her clothing.
Mistaken Release
In February, a court official mistakenly recorded that Dedic had been granted bail, sending a notice to HMP Wormwood Scrubs, which effected his release. Within hours, Dedic used his Bosnian passport to board the Eurostar and return to Bosnia. His UK passport had been seized by the Metropolitan Police during the investigation.
Judge Martin Edmunds KC, the Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea, described the error as "extremely rare" and stated: "We will fully investigate how it occurred and what steps can be put in place to prevent it occurring again." HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) launched an investigation, with a spokesperson acknowledging: "We understand the distress errors such as this can cause to those affected."
Avoiding Justice
Dedic failed to return for his trial, offering excuses including a heart attack and a skiing accident. He claimed he wanted to return but struggled to obtain a visa. In June, he alleged a heart attack in Sarajevo, but Judge Hannah Duncan expressed skepticism: "This is yet another attempt by Mr Dedic to obstruct, manipulate and avoid justice." Medical reports showed his heart rate was normal, and he was discharged.
On Tuesday, a jury at Isleworth Crown Court convicted Dedic in his absence on all nine counts, including four charges of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, threatening a person with a knife, and making a threat to kill. If he fails to attend the sentencing hearing, UK authorities are expected to begin extradition proceedings.
Ongoing Manhunt
Dedic remains at large, and authorities are coordinating efforts to bring him back to the UK to serve what is expected to be a lengthy prison sentence. The case highlights serious flaws in the justice system, as acknowledged by HMCTS.
