Court award will aid rape victims

Businessman Peter Smith heard a cry for help while walking his dogs

A trust fund to help rape victims in Gloucestershire is being set up with the help of businessman Peter Smith.

Mr Smith, managing director of an engineering firm, was given a £200 award by a judge in a rape case after coming to the victim's aid.

He has presented the cash to Gloucester police to support a new sexual assault centre being created in the city.

This will have facilities for forensic examination and victims of sexual assault will receive medical care.

Comfort items

It is a joint venture between police, other sectors of the criminal justice system, health providers and the voluntary sector.

The donation will be used to launch a fund to purchase items such as toiletries, crockery and a CD player and TV, to make users of the centre feel more comfortable and at ease.

Mr Smith was walking his dogs near the River Severn in Gloucester last November when he heard a woman calling, "Help me, I'm being raped".

He ordered the man who was attacking her to move away and stayed with the victim until police arrived.

Lee Woodward, 27, was found guilty of rape and sentenced to eight and a half years imprisonment at Gloucester Crown Court in May.

Mr Smith says he and his wife are now planning other activities to help the fund.