Bernadin Dedic, 48, who was convicted last month of repeatedly raping a woman at knifepoint, has been ordered by Judge Hannah Duncan to attend a sentencing hearing on July 24 and surrender to custody. Dedic was held at HMP Wormwood Scrubs awaiting trial when a court official mistakenly recorded that bail had been granted in February, leading to his release.
Following his release, Dedic traveled to Bosnia, undertaking a journey of approximately 1,600 miles by taking the Eurostar to France and then driving through Germany. He stated in a prior interview that he left the UK legally with his car and Bosnian passport, claiming that border officials did not stop him.
Dedic has previously indicated he does not intend to return to the UK for a sentencing hearing. He has cited a claimed skiing injury preventing travel and suggested he would drive to the UK only if granted a second trial. The Crown Prosecution Service has declined to confirm or deny whether extradition efforts are underway, stating only that "We are doing all we can to secure justice in this case."
During Dedic's trial, which proceeded in his absence, jurors found him guilty of four charges of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, threatening a person with a knife in a private place, and making a threat to kill. Judge Duncan expressed skepticism about claims of a heart attack that Dedic had suggested prevented his return.
The court was also informed that the rape victim has requested the case be concluded as soon as possible and is preparing an impact statement. Additionally, Judge Duncan noted online harassment directed at the victim, potentially by Dedic or his associates, which is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.
Dedic's release occurred due to an administrative error at Isleworth Crown Court where digital case files were mishandled, resulting in an erroneous message to the prison indicating bail had been granted.