A Polish rapist who fled back to his homeland after targeting a woman in Harlesden has been brought to justice after 12 years on the run.

Peter Schweirczyski was jailed for six years and six months last week after he was tracked down and extradited back to the UK following a length police investigation.

Harrow Crown Court heard the 42-year-old jumped bail after he was charged with carrying out the sex attack in November 2001.

Despite surrendering his passport he travelled back to Poland where he was found by investigating officers last year.

Detective Constable Jordan McGowan from the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, who lead the manhunt, said:

“As this case shows, however, officers from SOECA will do everything in their powers to track down sex offenders and bring them to justice for their actions.

“I am happy that the victim of this horrendous act now has the opportunity to move on with her life having lived in fear for 12 years.”