CONSTANTIN COVALIU AND HIS HORRIFIC SEXUAL ATTACKS IN MANSFIELD

A man identified as Constantin Covaliu has been sentenced to life imprisonment following a series of violent and opportunistic sexual assaults targeting women and a teenage girl in Mansfield. The disturbing crimes occurred over a four-month period last year in Nottingham and Mansfield, and it took diligent police work to bring Covaliu to justice.

Due to the severity of the incidents and the nature of the offenses, Covaliu, aged 22 and residing on Broxtowe Drive in Mansfield, was taken into custody and appeared at Northampton Crown Court. There, he admitted to the charges against him, which included two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and one count of sexual assault. Interestingly, he chose to plead guilty on the very day his trial was scheduled to begin, thereby avoiding a lengthy court process but causing additional distress to his victims.

Detective Sergeant Neil Allsop of Nottinghamshire Police publicly addressed the case, stating, “Covaliu is a predatory sex offender who targeted victims in their own homes, while they were alone in the street, and by luring them into dangerous situations. His decision to plead guilty at the last moment has unfortunately inflicted unnecessary trauma on those affected.” He emphasized that Covaliu’s actions warranted the life sentence he received and expressed hope that this punishment would help provide some closure for the victims and their families.

The first known victim was a 53-year-old woman living in Mansfield who fell prey to Covaliu after he attended a house party at her residence. Earlier that evening, he had entered her flat twice but was asked to leave by the woman. However, at around 2:30 a.m. on July 24, 2021, Covaliu returned to her flat and attempted to carry out a sexual assault. The victim managed to fight him off and took refuge in the communal bathroom where she called for help.

The second assault involved a 17-year-old girl who had been out on a night out in Mansfield on October 31, 2021. During her evening, Covaliu befriended her after she was alone following her friend’s departure. He then took her to a nearby property, where he forcibly took her mobile phone and subsequently raped her in an upstairs bedroom.

The third incident was committed against a 21-year-old woman walking alone through Church Lane in Mansfield on November 20, 2021. Covaliu approached her from behind, grabbed her, and attempted to sexually assault her. The attack was interrupted when the woman tried to seek help from a passing taxi driver, causing Covaliu to flee the scene.

Following the sentencing on September 9, Detective Sergeant Allsop highlighted the tireless efforts of Nottinghamshire Police's public protection teams. “Their relentless dedication and meticulous investigation were crucial in ensuring Covaliu was held accountable and that justice was served for the victims. Without their thorough work, he might have evaded justice altogether,” he said.

He further urged anyone who has endured sexual assault to come forward, assuring victims that their complaints are taken seriously. “If you have been a victim of sexual abuse or assault, we want to hear from you. We will listen carefully, investigate thoroughly, and do everything within our power to secure justice,” he reaffirmed.

This case underscores the importance of sustained police investigations and community support in tackling sexual violence, and it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by individuals in their everyday lives.