A HOODED man who kidnapped and dragged a woman through the streets must undergo psychological assessments before being sentenced.

On Thursday jurors at Basildon Crown Court said they were “satisfied” Lewis Waters, 24, of Lindsell Green, Basildon, had carried out the kidnapping.

On November 29 he grabbed the woman from behind as she walked through an alley leading into Clayburn Circle, Basildon.

She was dragged through the streets while pleading for help from passersby, who didn’t help.

Yesterday, Waters could not plead to the charge, or give evidence, because he was deemed mentally unfit to do so.

As a result, the jury were told they could not find him guilty or not guilty. Instead they had to be satisfied of the charge against him.

Judge John Lodge said: “Lewis Walters has profound learning difficulties, which is why he was unfit to plead. There’s absolutely no question of punishment in a case of this kind because it’s not what it’s about.

“What we are concerned about is ensuring public safety.”

The court had previously heard the woman, who the Echo has chosen not to name, had been grabbed from behind by Waters before he clamped his hand over her mouth.

He dragged her into Clayburn Circle, where she lost her shoes and socks. She offered her shopping bags to Waters who threw them on the ground and continued to drag her.

The court heard the woman had called for help from at least seven people, telling them she did not know Waters. They all ignored her.

She was eventually rescued by three men who confronted Waters, who then walked away.

Daniel Cater, a family friend of Waters, chased after him before he was punched in the face. The court heard he had at first thought the attacker was Waters’s brother Joe, before realising his mistake.

The jury was satisfied Waters had carried out kidnapping and assault by beating.

Judge Lodge adjourned sentencing for psychological reports for six weeks.