NICUSOR MANOLE FROM BRIERFIELD SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN STAFFORDSHIRE AND LANCASHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities, Nicusor Manole, a 27-year-old man from Brierfield, has been sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison after being convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl. The heinous incident took place in Staffordshire, following a series of events that began in Lancashire, specifically in Burnley and Brierfield.

According to court reports, the young girl, described as vulnerable, encountered Manole by chance in Burnley last June. Initially, their interaction appeared benign, with Manole offering to buy her a Lucozade, a popular soft drink. The situation quickly escalated when he then proposed to give her £10, ostensibly to help her travel to Manchester. However, this offer came with an unsettling condition: she was to accompany him back to his flat for a few hours.

Manole then arranged for a taxi to take them to a flat located on Colne Road in Brierfield, situated above a tyre garage. The flat was described as filthy and unkempt, with a significant number of pigeons inside, which the girl later recounted. Once inside, Manole, who had locked the door, became visibly angry and committed the assault, raping the young girl in what was described as a sickening and traumatic ordeal.

The victim managed to find a way to escape when she convinced Manole to leave the flat with her. She then ran into the street, visibly upset and crying, where she flagged down a cyclist and reported that she had been attacked. Her brave actions led to the initiation of an investigation by Lancashire Constabulary.

Authorities quickly identified Manole as the suspect. He had left the area but was apprehended four days later on the M6 motorway in Staffordshire. The police confirmed that he was the perpetrator of the rape and sexual assault, which he was convicted of following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

During sentencing, the judge expressed concern about Manole's behavior and character, emphasizing the seriousness of his crimes. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an additional year on extended licence. Furthermore, the court imposed a sexual harm prevention order to prevent any future offenses. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and swift law enforcement response in protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory offenders.