Man sentenced for sexually assaulting woman at Creamfields

A man has been sentenced after he sexually assaulted a woman at the Creamfields Music Festival in Daresbury.

Gergel Ludanyi, of Adelaide Road in Southampton, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 25th April, where he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

The 35-year-old was earlier found guilty of sexual assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual assault by touching.

During the trial, the court heard how the victim had attended the Creamfields music festival with a group of friends in August 2022. Whilst there, and in the early hours of the morning, the victim was approached by Ludanyi, who had been working on the fairground at the festival.

Ludanyi tried to kiss the victim, but she pushed him away. She then started to feel unwell and lay down on the floor before losing consciousness.

When the victim regained consciousness, the sun had risen and Ludanyi was on top of her. She tried to push him off of her before again losing consciousness.

During this time, a witness reported seeing Ludanyi move the victim’s clothing as he sexually assaulted her - all while the victim laid there unconscious.

It’s unknown how much time had passed when the victim woke up to Ludanyi lying on top of her. She pushed him off her for the third time before the witness approached and helped her to her feet. The women then reported the incident to security and Cheshire Police.

Subsequently, Ludanyi was arrested and later charged in relation to the incident.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Sophia Haywood said: 

“Firstly, I would like to recognise the bravery the victim has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court proceedings. Secondly, I want to recognise the strength and compassion of the witness, who didn’t know the victim, and didn’t just ignore what she saw.

“Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been through, and I hope that the sentence handed to Ludanyi will provide the victim with some closure and help her recover from what she has been through.

“Ludanyi chose to take advantage of a woman while she could not consent, and then he put her through an extremely traumatic trial, where she had to relive the impact of this crime.

“However, thanks to the officers involved in this complex case, along with the victim’s courage and tenacity, Ludanyi will now have to face the consequences of his actions behind bars.”

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20

In an emergency always call 999.

Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Pictured - Gergel Ludanyi, of Adelaide Road in Southampton.