A convicted rapist who attacked a woman with a knife and threatened to kill her is on the run after being mistakenly released from a UK prison. Bernadin Dedic, 48, fled to his home country of Bosnia hours after being freed from HMP Wormwood Scrubs in February due to a court error.
The Attack
Dedic, a businessman from Ealing, west London, had been drinking red wine and using cocaine when he pulled out a knife and told the woman she would not be heard if she screamed. He cut off her clothes and subjected her to multiple rapes and sexual assaults over several hours.
Charges and Mistaken Release
He was charged with four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, threatening with a knife, and making a threat to kill. In February, a court official mistakenly recorded that he had been granted bail, leading to his release. Within hours, Dedic left the UK on the Eurostar using his Bosnian passport.
Trial in Absentia
Dedic offered excuses for not returning, including claims of a heart attack and a skiing accident. His trial proceeded at Isleworth Crown Court, and on June 9, a jury convicted him on all nine counts in his absence. If he fails to return for sentencing, UK authorities will seek extradition.
Court Proceedings
Prosecutor Simon Sandford detailed the attack, which occurred after Dedic separated from his partner. He consumed up to four bottles of wine and cocaine before luring the woman to his basement. He held a red-handled kitchen knife, slapped her, and used the knife to cut off her clothing. She was terrified and complied with his demands.
Dedic was represented by a leading barrister but failed to appear. He claimed visa issues and later cited a knee injury from a skiing accident. Judge Martin Edmunds KC delayed the trial to June, but Dedic then claimed a heart attack in Sarajevo. Judge Hannah Duncan was unconvinced and proceeded without him, noting he sought medical help only after informing the court and was discharged with normal test results.
Investigation into Error
Judge Edmunds called the erroneous release extremely rare and promised a full investigation. HM Courts and Tribunals Service launched an inquiry, acknowledging the distress caused and the deep-rooted issues in the justice system.
