A 20-year-old man has been jailed for six years after a shocking rape case in Leicester, marking a significant moment of justice for the survivor and a testament to tireless police work.

Gagandeep Gulati, of Peacock Lane, Leicester, was found guilty at Leicester Crown Court of rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, and sharing an intimate video without consent. His crimes were captured on CCTV and his own mobile phone—evidence that led to his conviction on 28 March 2025.

A Night of Horror

The attack occurred in September 2024, when Gulati approached a young woman enjoying a night out in Jubilee Square. After gaining her trust, he lured her into Castle Gardens, where he raped and sexually assaulted her.

Disturbingly, Gulati filmed the attack and shared clips of the abuse, intensifying the emotional toll on his victim.

“This was a calculated, degrading act that showed a complete lack of humanity,” said Detective Constable Matt Smith, who led the investigation for Leicestershire Police’s Signal team, which specialises in rape and serious sexual offences.

Meticulous Detective Work

The investigation hinged on hours of painstaking CCTV analysis. DC Smith reviewed surveillance footage from Leicester’s city centre, eventually tracing Gulati’s movements from the point he met the victim to the moment of the assault in Castle Gardens.

His breakthrough came when he spotted the suspect on video, then recognised him during a visit to Gulati’s residence. Gulati was arrested on the spot.

Crucially, his own phone contained video evidence that not only verified the assault but also his intent to humiliate and traumatise the victim further by sharing it.

“His actions were utterly depraved,” DC Smith said. “The evidence against him was overwhelming, and his attempts to discredit the victim were shameful.”

Trial and Sentencing

During the trial, Gulati showed no remorse. He even attempted to claim that the victim had attacked him, but this defence crumbled under the weight of video and forensic evidence.

The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict, and Gulati was sentenced to six years in prison. He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Public Reaction and Wider Impact

The survivor’s courage in coming forward has been widely praised. Her decision to report the crime set the wheels of justice in motion. DC Smith said: “Her bravery was extraordinary. I hope the sentence brings some sense of closure.”

The case also shines a light on the growing prevalence of sexual violence. According to the Office for National Statistics, one in four women in England and Wales experience sexual assault in their lifetime.

Crown Prosecution Service data shows that rape convictions rose by 15% between 2022 and 2024, driven by better victim support and improved evidence handling.

Call to Action

Leicestershire Police and support services continue to encourage victims of sexual violence to come forward. Anyone who has experienced or witnessed such crimes is urged to contact police on 101, or via the national charity Rape Crisis for confidential support.

“This case proves that justice is possible,” said DC Smith. “We will always listen, and we will always fight for the truth.”

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this article, help is available:

• Rape Crisis England & Wales – 0808 500 2222 (24/7 support)
• Victim Support – 08 08 16 89 111
• Leicestershire Police – Call 101 or visit leics.police.uk

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