Justice at last… fugitive Rossi is guilty of rape

THE fugitive sex offender from America who faked his own death and fled to Scotland has been found guilty of rape by a court in the United States.

- By Richard Elias

Nicholas Rossi spent almost four years unsuccessfully fighting extradition to his homeland.

But now, the man whose case caught the imagination of the world, could potentially be jailed for life. But, before the 38-year-old is sentenced he will go on trial accused of a separate count of rape.

Rossi, who appeared in the Utah court under his real name, Nicholas Alahverdian, had denied all charges.

It took the jurors of four men and four women more than eight hours to reach their verdict.

Rossi, who chose not to give evidence on his own behalf, showed no emotion as the verdict was read out.

First-degree felony rape carries a punishment in Utah of between five years to life in prison.

Speaking after the verdict, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said: “We are grateful to the survivor in this case for her willingness to come forward, years after this attack took place,