Salisbury Man Found Guilty of Raping British Woman During Prague Visit

A 37-year-old man formerly from Salisbury has been found guilty of raping and assaulting a British woman in Prague, following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

Scott MacKenzie, formerly of Gainsborough Close, Salisbury, was convicted by a jury on Thursday 12 November 2026, following an investigation led by Wiltshire Police.

The offences took place in the early hours of 16 March 2023, when MacKenzie met the woman during a pub crawl in the Czech capital, Prague.

According to Wiltshire Police, the attack happened in the cellar area of an apartment block on Konevova Street. MacKenzie strangled the woman, threatened to kill her and then raped her.

The woman managed to escape and told a friend what had happened before reporting the incident to police.

The investigation was initially handled by local police in Prague before being transferred to Wiltshire Police. Both the suspect and victim were British citizens, and Wiltshire Police already had an ongoing investigation involving MacKenzie.

During the same trial, MacKenzie was found not guilty by the jury of separate charges relating to the rape and grievous bodily harm of a woman in Salisbury in 2020.

Following the guilty verdict, MacKenzie was remanded in custody and is due to appear for sentencing on 22 January 2027.

Detective Sergeant Toni Nugent, of Wiltshire Police, praised the courage of both women who came forward and spoke about their experiences.

She said: "I would like to commend the immense bravery and resilience shown by both women in coming forward.

"We know it takes enormous courage to report to the police and speak about your experience."

She added that the outcome would help prevent further women from becoming victims and that MacKenzie now faces a lengthy prison sentence.

Detective Sergeant Nugent also encouraged anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault to consider reporting it, regardless of how long ago the incident happened.

She said victims would be listened to, supported and treated with care.

Support for victims of rape and sexual assault

Anyone affected by rape or sexual assault can seek support, even if they are not ready to report an incident to the police.

In an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency police assistance, call 101.

Rape Crisis England and Wales can be contacted on 0808 500 2222. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) also provide medical care, practical assistance and emotional support, whether or not someone chooses to report an incident to the police.

Further information is available through the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/help-after-rape-and-sexual-assault/