A high-profile rape conviction hangs in the balance as a fugitive accused of multiple sex crimes claims he had tried to alert prison staff that his release on bail was an administrative error. Bernadin Dedic, who has gone on the run in Bosnia, alleges he informed officers at the detention facility that there had been a "mistake" regarding his release.
An official mix-up at Isleworth Crown Court led to Dedic's premature release from remand due to a digital case file confusion. The mistaken information was relayed to the prison, resulting in Dedic's departure on bail, which he used to travel back to Bosnia via Eurostar. He failed to return for his trial in June.
At his trial, jurors heard heart-wrenching details of Dedic's attacks. He had lured a woman into the basement of his Ealing home, threatening her with a knife and warning that she would be killed if she screamed. Over several hours, he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her, cutting off her clothes in the process. A jury later convicted him of four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, threatening a person with a knife in a private place, and making a threat to kill.
Dedic spoke to the Press Association (PA), claiming he knew his release was an error and had attempted to persuade prison staff to let him remain. He recalled saying, "Let me stay the weekend, this is a mistake," but stated that he was "pushed out." Following his release, Dedic contacted his lawyers and friends, who allegedly advised him to "go away and try from there" due to concerns about receiving a fair trial. Dedic has provided various reasons for his evasion of justice, including visa issues, a skiing accident, health problems, and a fear of flying.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has acknowledged the incident, stating it is working to improve its "outdated" release systems to prevent future errors. His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dedic's incorrect release. A review of the case is scheduled for 7th July, and if Dedic fails to return for sentencing, UK authorities are expected to initiate extradition proceedings.