ROMANIAN OFFENDER ANDREI SANDU SENTENCED IN OXFORD FOR BIZARRE ASSAULT
A woman was subjected to a disturbing and bizarre assault on her own doorstep in Wheatley on December 6, 2020, after Andrei Sandu, a 21-year-old Romanian man, approached her seeking directions to the train or bus station.Under the influence of alcohol, Sandu’s behavior was described as strange and unwarranted.
The woman, who was protecting her young daughter from the incident, tried to communicate with Sandu using a Google Translate website, but due to his illiteracy, the process was unsuccessful.
She then switched to a voice translation app on her phone, but the confusion persisted.
During their interaction, Sandu reached forward as if to remove a piece of fluff from her clothing and later groped her overtly, in front of her child.
Addressing Sandu in Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, prosecutor Peter du Feu shared the defendant’s brief response to questions in custody.
When asked if he wanted to be deported, Sandu did not answer directly but admitted guilt, stating: "I am a stupid, guilty man.
I have done it and I am very sorry." Sandu was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Recorder John Hardy QC noted that while his behavior was fueled by alcohol and described as bizarre and inexplicable, it profoundly damaged the victim’s trust and made her wary of strangers.
The judge mentioned that Sandu would likely face deportation, as the court no longer had the power to order it, but expressed that he would have strongly recommended her return to Romania if possible.
The court heard about Sandu’s background, revealing he grew up in poverty with six siblings in a two-bedroom home in rural Romania.
His illiteracy and possible learning difficulties were highlighted, and it was suggested that these factors may have contributed to his actions.
He migrated to the UK seeking a better life but became homeless.
While he had minor previous convictions in Humberside and Lincolnshire, he had no prior sexual offenses.
Defense barrister Mr.
du Feu explained that Sandu has limited memory of the incident due to intoxication, although this did not excuse the offense.
Sandu pleaded guilty earlier to sexual assault by touching, and is now classified as a sex offender for 10 years.
Police Constable Curtis Emery commented on the investigation, praising the victim for cooperating and providing critical information that led to Sandu’s arrest.
Emery emphasized that despite the lack of physical injuries, the emotional impact on the victim remains significant.
He expressed hope that the sentence offers her some closure and demonstrated Thames Valley Police’s commitment to pursuing justice, even in cases with limited physical evidence.
Sandu, of no fixed address, acknowledged his guilt at the earlier hearing.
His conviction serves as a reminder of the police’s dedication to enforcing the law and protecting victims, regardless of the circumstances.
