MARIAN TANASCUA SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN WITHAM, ESSEX
| Red Rose Database
Witham Rapist
In November 2020, a serious sexual assault case unfolded in the town of Witham, Essex, leading to the conviction and sentencing of a man identified as Marian Tanascua. The incident involved a young woman in her twenties who was walking home alone after visiting a friend's residence. The events took place during the early hours of Tuesday, 14 July, and the aftermath resulted in swift police action and a court trial that culminated in a significant prison sentence.
According to reports, the victim was making her way back through the quiet streets of Witham when she noticed a man following her at a distance. The man, later identified as Marian Tanascua, was behaving oddly, which drew her attention. As she continued walking, Tanascua unexpectedly tripped and fell to the ground. Concerned, the woman paused to assist him, but this act of kindness was met with inappropriate behavior. Tanascua took the opportunity to put his arm around her, kiss her on the cheek, and touch her in a manner that was clearly unwelcome and inappropriate.
The woman immediately told him to stop and tried to distance herself from the situation. Despite her protests, Tanascua offered her money in exchange for sex, an overture she firmly rejected. When she continued walking away, he responded with verbal abuse, escalating the situation further. Without warning, Tanascua ran up behind her, grabbed her by the hair, and forcibly pulled her to the ground. The assault culminated in him raping her, an act that left her traumatized and in shock.
Following the attack, the victim managed to report the incident to the police. Law enforcement officers responded promptly, arriving at the scene shortly after the report was made. Through their investigation, they identified Marian Tanascua as the suspect and arrested him on suspicion of rape. The case moved swiftly through the judicial system, and Tanascua was formally charged with three counts of rape.
On Monday, 7 September, Tanascua appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court to face the charges. During the proceedings, he chose to plead guilty to all three counts, thereby accepting responsibility for his actions. His guilty plea led to a sentencing that saw him imprisoned for six years and eight months. Additionally, the court ordered that once his prison term concludes, he must serve a further eight years on licence, ensuring close supervision and restrictions upon his release.
This case highlights the dangers faced by women walking alone at night and underscores the importance of swift police action and judicial proceedings in addressing sexual violence. The community of Witham and the wider Essex area continues to seek justice for victims of such heinous crimes, emphasizing the need for vigilance and support for those affected.
According to reports, the victim was making her way back through the quiet streets of Witham when she noticed a man following her at a distance. The man, later identified as Marian Tanascua, was behaving oddly, which drew her attention. As she continued walking, Tanascua unexpectedly tripped and fell to the ground. Concerned, the woman paused to assist him, but this act of kindness was met with inappropriate behavior. Tanascua took the opportunity to put his arm around her, kiss her on the cheek, and touch her in a manner that was clearly unwelcome and inappropriate.
The woman immediately told him to stop and tried to distance herself from the situation. Despite her protests, Tanascua offered her money in exchange for sex, an overture she firmly rejected. When she continued walking away, he responded with verbal abuse, escalating the situation further. Without warning, Tanascua ran up behind her, grabbed her by the hair, and forcibly pulled her to the ground. The assault culminated in him raping her, an act that left her traumatized and in shock.
Following the attack, the victim managed to report the incident to the police. Law enforcement officers responded promptly, arriving at the scene shortly after the report was made. Through their investigation, they identified Marian Tanascua as the suspect and arrested him on suspicion of rape. The case moved swiftly through the judicial system, and Tanascua was formally charged with three counts of rape.
On Monday, 7 September, Tanascua appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court to face the charges. During the proceedings, he chose to plead guilty to all three counts, thereby accepting responsibility for his actions. His guilty plea led to a sentencing that saw him imprisoned for six years and eight months. Additionally, the court ordered that once his prison term concludes, he must serve a further eight years on licence, ensuring close supervision and restrictions upon his release.
This case highlights the dangers faced by women walking alone at night and underscores the importance of swift police action and judicial proceedings in addressing sexual violence. The community of Witham and the wider Essex area continues to seek justice for victims of such heinous crimes, emphasizing the need for vigilance and support for those affected.