BOGDAN CIOROPA AND SHOCKING RAPE IN BRIGHTON
A worker at a fast food restaurant in Brighton has been sentenced to prison after committing a serious sexual assault.Bogdan Cioropa, aged 28 and residing on Staplefield Drive in Brighton, was convicted of raping a 17-year-old woman at a property in Brighton on Friday, 9 April, 2021.
The victim reported the assault to the police, prompting an immediate investigation.
Cioropa was arrested the very next day on suspicion of rape.
Throughout the investigation, the woman received support from specialist officers who provided her with the necessary assistance and guidance during this difficult time.
Following the arrest, Cioropa faced multiple charges, including rape, attempted oral rape, and sexual assault.
However, before his trial could commence, he left the country, making it impossible for him to appear in court in person.
Despite his absence, the legal proceedings continued in his absence, and a jury at Hove Crown Court reached a unanimous verdict on Thursday, 14 September, finding him guilty of all three charges.
Subsequently, on Wednesday, 22 November, Cioropa was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court to nine years in prison.
In addition to his prison term, he was handed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order lasting 15 years, and was declared a registered sex offender for life.
Efforts to locate him within Europe proved extensive, and a warrant has been issued by the Crown Prosecution Service for his arrest and extradition.
Authorities have implemented strict measures to ensure that if Cioropa attempts to re-enter the United Kingdom, he will be apprehended.
During the court proceedings, the victim shared a powerful impact statement.
She expressed how the assault had profoundly changed her life, stating: “Thanks to you my whole life changed.
I went from being innocent to the horrors that go on in this world to no longer being able to trust anyone.
I struggle to believe people and I am constantly worrying about their true intentions.
I had been told about monsters like you my whole life and how I should be cautious, but at the time I was still a child, I had never expected you to be one of those people I should have been watching out for.
I am thankful for the support I’ve had from my family and friends, the police and especially Laura from Survivors’ Network who has listened to me talk for hours about all my thoughts.” Detective Constable Laura Pettitt commented on the case, praising the victim’s bravery: “I would like to thank this courageous young woman for the determination she has shown in not only reporting Cioropa’s crimes initially, but for her supporting a court process delayed by his refusal to attend trial and face justice in person.
The jury were unanimous in finding him guilty of all three charges and he will be placed behind bars where he can pose no further danger to women.
I hope this result provides his victim and her family with some degree of comfort as they look to move on with their lives.”
