ION COJAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN NORTHAMPTON
A man from Northampton has been handed a substantial prison sentence of 15 years after being found guilty of a serious sexual offence that involved targeted predatory behavior facilitated through an online platform.Ion Cojan, aged 37 and residing on Worcester Close, appeared before Northampton Crown Court on Tuesday, November 8.
The court proceedings culminated in a jury verdict of guilty for the crime of rape, a case that drew significant attention due to the calculated manner in which Cojan targeted his victim.
The case was outlined by prosecutor Andrew Fitch-Holland, who detailed the circumstances leading to the offence.
The victim, whose identity has been protected, was actively searching for a room to rent within Northampton.
She created an account on a room rental website, which prominently displayed her photograph along with her name and age, an action that unfortunately became a gateway for her eventual victimization.
According to the court’s evidence, Cojan initially approached the woman claiming he had a friend with a room available for rent.
When the woman responded that she was no longer interested in the offer, Cojan’s approach shifted.
He sought to flatter her by calling her “beautiful” and subsequently arranged to meet her on February 17, 2019.
The prosecution explained that Cojan collected the woman from Northampton town centre in his vehicle.
During the journey, she sat in the back seat, expecting to go for coffee, as she had initially agreed.
However, instead of adhering to this plan, Cojan drove her to a secluded area near a lake, an action that raised immediate concern.
The assault, which lasted roughly ten minutes, ensued at this isolated location.
The court heard that Cojan attempted to disrobe the woman by attempting to pull down her trousers.
She resisted, saying no, which led him to cease his assault and drive her back into the town.
Before parting ways, Cojan assured her he would call her for a meeting to have sex, blew her three kisses, and then drove off.
The victim, feeling a mixture of disgust and shock, walked home after the incident.
She subsequently reported the assault to the police.
In her statement, she conveyed the lasting impact of the ordeal, mentioning that she cannot forget what happened and that it has eroded her trust in men.
Following her report, police officers detained Cojan and seized his mobile phone for examination.
Investigation revealed numerous searches on his device for female users of the rental website, which he was using as a means to find victims under the guise of searching for a dating partner.
It was also revealed during sentencing that Cojan holds a prior conviction for a sexual assault dating back to 2009.
In that incident, he forcibly pushed a woman onto a bed, held her throat, and pulled her hair, preventing her from leaving.
She was able to escape when he eventually released her.
In mitigation, attorney Rajiv Chopra expressed remorse on behalf of Cojan, stating that he was genuinely sorry for the distress caused to the victim and wished to make amends by writing her an apology letter.
Mr.
Chopra pleaded with the court for leniency, highlighting Cojan’s remorse and desire for a second chance.
Addressing the court, Her Honour Judge Lucking KC emphasized the severity of Cojan’s actions.
She pointed out his pattern of offending, noting that he specifically targets vulnerable, lone women by flattering and then forcibly isolating them, acts that reveal a disturbing sense of entitlement and arrogance.
Ultimately, Cojan was sentenced to a maximum term of 10 years in prison, with an additional five-year extended licence period.
Furthermore, he was ordered to register on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.
