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National
Sophie Doughty

'You can't run forever'- Detective's warning as international manhunt launched for thug who fled country after brutal attack on two women at Newcastle Central Station

An International manhunt is today on to bring a thug who brutally attacked two women at Newcastle Central Station to justice.

Petr Priessnitz has admitted assaulting the vulnerable victims in the station's carpark, in a horrific onslaught which saw him stamp on one of the women's face, smashing her front teeth and breaking her nose. But he fled the country following his conviction and is still at large.

Priessnitz was last week sentenced in his absence to 10 years and two months in jail, in his absence, at Newcastle Crown Court.

Read more: 'To think they had him on their radar': Mum of Manchester bombing victim on agony at knowing atrocity might have been stopped

Detectives are now working to track him down and bring him back to the UK so he can serve his sentence. But tragically one of his victim's has since died without seeing him brought to justice.

Det Sgt Graham Marshall-Batey, who led the investigation for British Transport Police, said: "The horrific injuries sustained in the attack left two innocent women mentally scarred by what happened that night.

Newcastle Central Station. (Newcastle Chronicle)


"Priessnitz' continued attempts to escape justice demonstrate that, despite pleading guilty to the offences, he has not a shred of remorse. But I have a message for him – Priessnitz, you can’t run forever and we will ensure you face justice for your actions."

Det Sgt Marshall-Batey added: "Priessnitz is an extremely dangerous individual and the fact that he will soon be behind bars makes Newcastle a safer place.”

The court heard how Priessnitz lured the two vulnerable women to the station car park. Once there he subjected one victim, who has since died, to a lengthy assault.

When the other victim attempted to help her friend, he assaulted her. Priessnitz continued the assault to the point that one of the women lost consciousness.

He pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident.

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