A bystander who filmed a woman being sexually assaulted has been criticised by police for not taking “preventative action”.
The film proved crucial in securing the conviction of Ivan Akentjev, 46, who sexually assaulted the woman at a Peterborough bus stop while she was unconscious.
Akentjev was in Broadway, Peterborough, on the evening of 10 May when he approached the woman and sexually assaulted her.
The bystander filmed him doing this and pointed out Akentjev when the woman’s friends arrived.
Akentjev was arrested the following day and made no comment when presented with the video evidence.
He pleaded guilty to sexual assault and was found guilty of attempted sexual assault by penetration after a trial.
Akentjev, of Gladstone Street, Peterborough, was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on December 20 to five years in prison.
DC Oliver Campbell said: “Akentjev’s actions towards the woman at the bus stop were disgraceful. Nobody should ever be subjected to this type of behaviour.”
But DC Campbell added: “While the video evidence was crucial in securing this conviction, we would have preferred if the bystander had taken more preventative action.
“This does not necessarily mean physically intervening; it could be calling for help from someone in a position of authority such as security staff in a nearby bar.
“We do not want anyone to put themselves in a position of danger and you should always call 999 immediately if unsafe.
“Bystander intervention is a really important part of keeping everyone safe and you can read more on how to do this safely and effectively on our partner website Know Violence Against Women.”
