CRISTIAN MIHAI'S SHOCKING ATTACK IN DERBY'S DARLEY PARK LEAVES TEENAGER TRAUMATIZED
In May 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded in Darley Park, Derby, involving a Romanian national named Cristian Mihai.The 40-year-old man committed a heinous sexual assault against a teenage girl in the park, an attack that not only inflicted physical harm but also caused lasting emotional trauma.
According to court reports, Mihai approached the young victim while she was in the ladies’ toilets, which were located within the park.
The girl was there washing her hands, her hands bandaged from previous injuries, when Mihai suddenly took her by the wrist.
Without warning, he began kissing her hands, an act described as slobbering over them, which left the girl visibly distressed.
He then escalated his assault by rubbing himself against her, as if engaging in sexual activity, and placed his hands on her bottom without her consent.
During the ordeal, Mihai leaned his head towards her chest, further violating her personal space.
The terrified girl struggled to escape, twisting her wrist in the process, and finally managed to break free from his grasp.
As she exited the toilets, a witness who was guiding his mother to the same facility saw her come out crying and clearly distressed.
The witness warned his mother not to enter the toilets, as the girl had just been assaulted.
When the witness entered the cubicle, he found Mihai inside, apparently looking at his crotch area, with indications that he might have been experiencing an erection.
When questioned about his actions, Mihai responded with “no English,” although he had previously asked if the witness spoke Italian or Spanish.
The police were called immediately, and Mihai was detained.
The victim was taken to medical professionals, who discovered that she had open wounds on her hands, which had become infected.
She required antibiotics to treat the infections, and the physical injuries added to her trauma.
Her mother later provided an impact statement, describing how the assault had profoundly affected her daughter’s mental health.
The girl now struggles with a fear of men, avoids being home alone, and has lost her sense of independence.
She is undergoing therapy to cope with the emotional scars left by the attack.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Mihai had no prior convictions in the UK but had a criminal record in Romania for theft and robbery, for which he served time in prison.
He appeared before Derby Crown Court, where Judge Jonathan Bennett addressed him through a translator.
Mihai pleaded guilty to the sexual assault at the earliest opportunity, which took place around 1:30 pm on April 12.
Prosecutor Edna Leonard detailed the assault, emphasizing the victim’s distress and the physical injuries she sustained.
She highlighted that the girl’s injuries had become infected, necessitating medical treatment, and that the emotional impact was severe.
The victim’s mother also spoke via a statement, expressing her concern over her daughter’s diminished independence and ongoing emotional struggles, including difficulty talking about her fears.
Defense lawyer Michael Caine-Soothill acknowledged that Mihai’s behavior was out of character and expressed remorse, stating that his client was deeply ashamed and haunted by what had happened.
He emphasized that Mihai had never behaved in such a manner before and blamed himself for the incident.
Judge Bennett sentenced Mihai to 16 months in prison.
The court also ordered his deportation back to Romania, where his wife and two children reside, pending approval from the Secretary of State.
Additionally, Mihai was subjected to a three-year restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting the victim or visiting Darley Park.
He was also given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for ten years, aimed at preventing any future offenses.
This case underscores the serious nature of sexual assault and its profound impact on victims, especially minors.
The court’s decision reflects the gravity of Mihai’s actions and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in public spaces like Darley Park in Derby.
