by Alex Wellman A RAPIST is facing years behind bars after trying to kill a prostitute with a hammer. Christopher Hughes, 28, of Bravington Road, Queen s Park, battered Lithuanian Loredana Cirstouiu across the head at his home after s

by Alex Wellman

A RAPIST is facing years behind bars after trying to kill a prostitute with a hammer.

Christopher Hughes, 28, of Bravington Road, Queen's Park, battered Lithuanian Loredana Cirstouiu across the head at his home after spending the night with her on April 7.

Hughes, a carpet salesman, admitted attempted murder on Thursday July 16 when he appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Brixton prison.

Ms Cirstouiu, who had been a working girl for four months, fled the basement flat by kicking through his bedroom and running injured on to the street.

Hughes, who was jailed for six and-a-half years in 1999 for a stranger rape in Wales, initially called Ms Cirstouiu for company but when she left the following morning he called her back.

Shortly after returning Hughes grabbed a hammer and inflicted 'quick, repeated blows to her head all the while screaming: "I will kill you, you bitch."

With blood pouring from a 4cm cut to the top of her head the brave working girl managed to smash open the bay window of Hughes's flat and run for help.

She was picked up by a passer-by and taken to hospital where she received treatment for her injuries.

Hughes twice called the police and on the second occasion admitted he wanted to kill Miss Cirstouiu.

He was arrested at the scene but made no comment in interview and was charged.

While on remand Hughes was assessed by psychiatrists but was found not to be suffering from any mental illness.

Judge Gerald Gordon QC said: "The circumstances here are extremely unusual in the sense that the events came out of the blue."

Hughes was remanded in custody pending sentence on August 21.

alex.wellman@archant.co.uk