A RAPIST who beat and attacked a woman before she escaped and was found collapsed on the A666 sacked his legal team on the morning of his sentencing.

Lukas Slusarczyk was convicted at Bolton Crown Court last month of raping the 29-year-old victim in woods at Crompton Lodges on April 2 from where she stumbled and fell between lanes on the dual carriageway.

He was due to be sentenced yesterday but the 23-year-old, of no fixed address, told the judge in a letter he had discharged both his solicitors and his barrister Mark Friend after a discussion with a fellow inmate.

Judge Richard Gioserano told Slusarczyk: “You are asking, I’m told by Mr Friend, that your sentencing be adjourned so you can instruct a new firm of solicitors and counsel to represent you.

“I’m prepared to accept that but I wish to make it clear that I’m only prepared to accept because of the serious position you are in.

“You are facing a long prison sentence or the prospect of an extended period of imprisonment.

“If I were to sentence you without representation I would risk there being an appeal against the sentence imposed and it seems to me that would be even worse than delaying sentencing now for a relatively short period of time.”

Judge Gioserano said of Slusarczyk’s victim: “While he is dismissing lawyers, she is denied closure.”

Sentencing was adjourned until November 11 and Slusarczyk was given until the close of business on Friday to nominate his new solicitors so legal aid can be transferred.