MAN JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE OF TEENAGER IN MORECAMBE
Florin Panainte has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment after being convicted of attempting to sexually assault a teenager in Morecambe.The 38-year-old, who is without a permanent residence, attacked the girl at a property in Morecambe in October of the previous year.
The victim reported the incident to her family, which led to Panainte’s immediate arrest.
Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, the jury found Panainte guilty of attempted rape.
He appeared for sentencing on June 26th and was handed a 14-year sentence, consisting of nine years in custody and an extended five-year licence period.
He was also subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a 20-year restraining order.
Lancaster CID’s Child Protection Team detective, Constable Sam Ripley, described the conviction as “abhorrent.” Ripley praised the victim’s bravery and reiterated the police's commitment to supporting victims and investigating sexual offences to achieve justice.
He made it clear that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated.