Man raped teenager, then left her unconscious

Police have said the public's tenacity contributed to being able to gather evidence.

A "sexual predator" has been found guilty of raping a teenager and leaving her unconscious in a car park with injuries to her face and body.

The 18 year old was found by members of the public in Dammas Lane in the Old Town area of Swindon on 30 June, 2024.

Rooney Gardi, 23, of Calne Road in Lyneham, was found guilty of rape after a trial at Swindon Crown Court on 3 March and will be sentenced next month.

Police have said the victim showed "strength and courage", and thanked people who came to the scene for quickly noticing she had been attacked.

Found in the early hours of the morning, she had no memory of what had happened, the court was told.

Det Con Anna McCormack from Wiltshire Police said, "Gardi is a sexual predator who admitted sexual contact but denied the more serious charge. He took advantage of a young girl who was vulnerable.

"She has shown strength and courage throughout the investigation and has put her trust in the police to piece together what happened to her that night" she added.

Gardi was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing.

Public's 'tenacity'

Det ConC McCormack explained that the public and community wardens identified that she had been the victim of a sexual attack.

"Without their tenacity and quick thinking to contact the police and protect the scene, it is possible a lot of crucial evidence in this case could have been lost."

She said people should be able to go on a night out without having to fear becoming a victim of violence and emphasised police will investigate even when someone does not remember all the details.