Man who tried to leave country convicted of rape

By STAFF WRITER news@rdg.today

A READING man has been convicted of attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration at a trial in Reading Crown Court.

Sagar Gurung, 26 and of Salisbury Road, was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict at the hearing on Wednesday, May 10.

It follows an incident in the early hours of Sunday, November 6, last year, during which Gurung approached a woman in Queens Walk, Reading, and attempted to rape her.

During the attack, the victim was also subjected to sexual assault, which took place between 2.30am and 3am.

After he left the area, a large manhunt was launched, and he was subsequently arrested two days later on Tuesday, November 8.

He had seemingly making preparations to leave the country, having booked a flight out of the UK.

While Gurung claimed that he had been “hallucinating” at the time of the attack, he was unable to explain CCTV footage which had caught the incident.

He was charged on the following day, Wednesday, November 9, and is now due for sentencing on Tuesday, August 8.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Natasha Black, based at Reading police station, said: “Gurung targeted

Sagar Gurung, aged 26, of Salisbury Road, Reading, was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict of attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration at a hearing on Wednesday, May 10 bravery, and her account has allowed us to bring Gurung to justice swiftly.”

She explained: “Gurung claimed during his trial that he had been hallucinating during the time he attacked the victim, and minimised his actions, denying any sexual offences.

“However, he could not account for what CCTV footage clearly captured, and at no time did he take any responsibility for his actions.”

Gurung has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 8 August.

DC Black added: “This was an exceptional investigation, and our swift work allowed us to apprehend Gurung while he was actively preparing to leave the country.

“He was arrested at his home address, having packed bags and was loading them into a vehicle. He had booked a flight out of the UK for 10 November.” and attacked his victim, who was on a night out in Reading, completely at random.

She explained: “Thankfully, stranger attacks such as this are exceptionally rare, but when they do occur, we will utilise all resources possible to track down, arrest and bring offenders to justice.

“The victim in this case has shown tremendous dignity and courage throughout the course of this investigation.

“She gave evidence in court against Gurung, choosing to do so without the provision of any special measures.

“This showed immense

“This case demonstrates our commitment to tirelessly pursue offenders who seek to carry out sexual offences.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for her continued support of this investigation, and I hope that this conviction will allow her to move forward with her life, knowing that we have brought her attacker to justice.”

Ink store could sell alcohol again if plan approved

A BUILDING that used to be a convenience store and has recently been occupied by a business selling toner and ink jet cartridges for printers could be converted into a venue that sells alcohol.

The Thames Valley Printers & Cartridges business at 225 Caversham Road at Caversham Bridge has closed, and a company called Nimal & Sons Limited has applied to sell alcohol on the premises from 8am to 11pm each day.

THE last remaining gas tower in Reading might have been dismantled, but its legacy will be felt for years to come.

Next week, Berkshire Family History Society will host an online talk on the history of the gas industry in Berkshire.

Jo Alexander Jones, who has more than 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, will be the speaker.

They will look at the growth of the industry from the 1820s, using the Reading Gas Company as an example.

It will explore how the industry developed, the locations it used, and the

impact that gas had on the area’s population.

The talk will be held on Zoom from 2pm-3.15pm on Thursday, May 25, and costs £5 to attend. Booking is essential and can be made on the Berkshire Family History Society website.

It is part of the society’s Spring Potpourri online talks series.

The next talk in the series will be on the history of the railways in Berkshire and will be given by David King on Thursday, June 1.

n For more information about the Berkshire Family History Society or to book tickets for the talks, log on to: berksfhs.org

When the store operated as a corner shop, it did sell alcohol, especially during Reading Festival times. The application does not state what the licence will be used for.

The area has a mix of existing dining, takeaway and convenience store businesses, with The Gorge Cafe located immediately next door and the River Spice Indian restaurant opposite.

The Moderation, Richfield Deli & Grill, five takeaways, two convenience stores and two restaurants are all nearby. Comments on the application can be made to Reading Borough Council before Thursday, June 1, by emailing: licensing@reading. gov.uk