ION TANASIE FROM CHICHESTER SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS FOR BRUTAL RAPE OF VULNERABLE WOMEN

In a case that has shocked the community of Chichester, Ion Gheorghe Tanasie, aged 40, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 21 years after being convicted of heinous sexual offenses against two vulnerable women. The sentencing took place at Salisbury Crown Court on Wednesday, 17 May, following a detailed trial that uncovered the brutal nature of his crimes.

According to court records, Tanasie’s crimes spanned over several months, with the first incident occurring on the evening of 24 July of the previous year. On that night, he committed a rape within the grounds of St Paul’s Church, a location well-known in the town. The victim, after enduring the assault, managed to make her way back towards the town centre, where she encountered friends. It was these friends who reported the incident to the police, prompting an investigation.

Authorities examined the woman’s clothing and other evidence, which led to Tanasie being identified as a suspect. Despite the fact that he was not listed in the UK DNA database, investigators utilized Interpol checks to establish his identity. The case took a further turn when, on the evening of 19 September, police received a report of another sexual assault in The Hornet, a well-frequented area in Chichester. The second victim was able to report her ordeal shortly after it happened, which allowed police to act swiftly.

Following a thorough review of CCTV footage from the area, Tanasie was identified as the suspect in this second incident as well. Within days, law enforcement officials located and arrested him. He was subsequently charged with multiple offenses related to both assaults. For the first incident, charges included rape, sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration. The second incident saw additional charges, including rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and two counts of sexual assault.

As the police investigation progressed, detectives linked the two cases, establishing a pattern of predatory behavior. Tanasie was remanded in custody to prevent further offenses and to safeguard the public. Throughout the legal process, he maintained his innocence, denying all charges. However, the jury at Portsmouth Crown Court found him guilty of all 10 charges against him.

Following his conviction, Tanasie was brought before Salisbury Crown Court for sentencing. Her Honour Judge Evans KC described his actions as “brutal, callous and cruel,” emphasizing that they were “stimulated by the pain and cruelty of his behaviour.” The judge also highlighted the vulnerability of the victims, stating, “Both women were vulnerable and you took advantage to abuse them, and the effects were devastating, with huge psychological impacts on both women.”

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Evans made it clear that Tanasie must serve at least two-thirds of his 21-year sentence before being considered for parole, with an additional six years on licence following his release. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Chichester, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory offenders.