GHEORGHE BERTLEF FROM EXETER: SHOCKING RAPE CASE IN THE HEART OF DEVON
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the city of Exeter, Gheorghe Bertlef, a man originally from Romania, has been found guilty of raping an 18-year-old woman in a secluded alleyway.The incident took place as the young woman was walking home late at night after visiting a nightclub in Exeter, a city known for its historic charm and vibrant nightlife.
According to court proceedings, Bertlef, who was employed at the time as a Royal Mail sorting office worker and later identified as an Amazon delivery driver, had been stalking the streets of Exeter in the hours leading up to the assault.
His behavior was described as menacing and predatory, as he was seen wandering the city in the middle of the night, targeting lone women.
Just two hours before the attack, Bertlef approached a group of female students from Exeter University.
The students found his conduct alarming enough that one of them took a photograph of him on her mobile phone, a move that would later prove crucial in his arrest.
The police later confirmed that Bertlef was observed stalking two other women on separate occasions, which ultimately led to his apprehension.
The assault occurred when the victim, walking alone after a night out, was approached by Bertlef.
Despite her clear refusal to engage in any romantic or sexual activity, he forcibly took her into an alley off Hoopern Lane.
The young woman recounted to the court that she repeatedly told him she wanted to go home, but her pleas were ignored as he carried out a 30-minute attack.
She described feeling terrified and frozen, unable to resist his actions, which included oral sex and attempts at vaginal intercourse on two separate occasions.
She emphasized that she was not physically restrained but was blocked from leaving the alleyway, which left her feeling helpless.
During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, the jury rejected Bertlef’s defense claims that the sexual acts were consensual and that the woman had enjoyed the encounter, even thanking him afterward.
After two hours of deliberation, they returned a unanimous verdict of guilty on charges of rape and attempted rape.
Bertlef, aged 32 and residing on Pinhoe Road in Exeter, was remanded into custody by Judge Robert Linford.
The judge ordered a probation service assessment to evaluate the danger Bertlef might pose to the public, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes and warning that a substantial prison sentence was imminent.
Judge Linford stated, “You have been convicted of these two offences, and I will sentence you on October 23.
I order there is a report to deal with the issue of dangerousness and whether you pose a danger to the public.
Be under no illusion, you will be facing a very substantial sentence of imprisonment.” The case has highlighted concerns about the safety of women walking alone at night in Exeter, a city that prides itself on its community and historic sites.
The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of local policing and the measures needed to prevent such predatory behavior in the future.
